Printing system, control method thereof, program, and storage medium

ABSTRACT

An object of this invention is to process as many print jobs as possible even if requests to print various types of print jobs requiring various types of print media are simultaneously intensively accepted. Another object of this invention is to build a convenient, flexible printing environment where the productivity of one job is increased by shortening the time taken to end printing one print job after the start of printing. To accomplish them, a control unit ( 205 ) in a printing system ( 1000 ) accepts an instruction “to attach importance to productivity”. In this case, the control unit ( 205 ) causes the printing system ( 1000 ) to automatically execute the first operation without any operator operation and without stopping the printing operation when the remaining numbers of print media in all available feeding units used in print processing have reached a lower limit value.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a printing system capable of acceptinga plurality of jobs, and a control method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a conventional printing industry, a publication is issued throughvarious work steps such as entry of a document, designing of thedocument, layout editing, comprehensive layout (presentation byprinting), proofreading (layout correction and color correction), proof(proof print), block copy preparation, printing, post-processing, andshipping.

In the conventional printing industry, an offset reproduction printingpress has been used in the printing step, requiring the block copypreparation step. However, once the block copy is prepared, it isdifficult to correct the block copy. If the block copy is corrected, thecost rises. In block copy preparation, therefore, careful proofreading(i.e., careful layout check and color confirmation) is indispensable.Some period of time is generally taken until a publication is issued.

Most apparatuses used in respective work steps are bulky and requireexpert knowledge, and know-how of experts is indispensable.

In this situation, POD (Print On Demand) printing systems usingelectrophotographic and inkjet printing apparatuses are proposedrecently (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2004-310746 and2004-310747).

The POD printing system does not require the above-mentioned block copypreparation and other complicated work steps.

As feeding control of a printing apparatus, control to perform ACC (AutoCassette Change) after a cassette runs out of sheets has conventionallybeen employed. This control follows a sequence: (1) to try to pick up asheet, (2) to detect that there is no sheet to be picked up, (3) toprint all sheets in process, deliver them out of the apparatus, and stopthe printing operation, and (4) to search for sheets capable ofcontinuing printing, and continue feeding from another feeding stage.According to this sequence, a downtime is generated because the printingoperation stops once till the next feeding start timing after it isdetected that sheets run out.

A digital printing system needs to increase productivity by shorteningthe downtime.

As a method of shortening the downtime; the present invention givesattention to a configuration using a control sequence of, before sheetsrun out, detecting that the number of sheets has reached a predeterminedvalue, and switching the feeding stage to the next feeding candidate.This configuration can be expected to omit (3) “to print all sheets inprocess, deliver them outside the apparatus, and stop the printingoperation”. This configuration can also be expected to shorten thedowntime. However, the following problems still remain unsolved.

(Problem 1) Special sheets and expensive sheets cannot be used up.

(Problem 2) When a small number of special sheets are used, they alwaysexist in a feeding unit. Thus, a specific feeding unit is alwaysoccupied with a small number of special sheets.

(Problem 3) When many jobs use sheets of the same type, the totalproductivity of the jobs may decrease.

These problems can be effectively solved by switching between thefollowing first and second operations in accordance with an explicitsetting by an operator. The first operation is to complete a necessaryprinting operation by causing a printing apparatus to use all printmedia in one feeding unit and then causing it to use print media inanother feeding unit. The second operation is to complete a necessaryprinting operation by causing a printing apparatus to use some of printmedia in one feeding unit and while print media still remains in thisfeeding unit, causing the printing apparatus to use print media inanother feeding unit. However, the following problem cannot be solved bythis proposal.

For example, when print media remain in all available feeding units inthe second operation of, while print media still remains in a givenfeeding unit, causing the printing apparatus to use print media inanother feeding unit, the feeding operation needs to stop. In this case,the system needs to request an operator to feed sheets. Also, the systemmay stop while print media remain in all feeding units.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention allows realization of providing a convenientprinting system applicable not only to the office environment but alsoto the POD environment.

The present invention also allows realization of providing a mechanismof minimizing intervention work by an operator which may occur in thePOD environment owing to, e.g., the specifications of an image formingapparatus designed in consideration of only the office environment. Thepresent invention also allows realization of reducing the work load onan operator and implementing efficient work. Especially, the presentinvention allows realization of providing a mechanism capable of solvingthe above-described problems which cannot be solved by the configurationassumed in Description of the Related Art in which the first and secondoperations can be selected in accordance with an explicit instructionfrom a user.

The present invention also allows realization of providing a mechanismcapable of flexibly meeting various needs from various users as much aspossible on the assumption of various situations and use environments.

According to the present invention, the foregoing problem is solved byproviding a printing system which enables a printing apparatus to useprint media in a plurality of feeding units, the system selectivelyswitching and executing, based on a condition without an explicitinstruction from an operator, a first operation of completing a printingoperation necessary for one job to be processed by causing the printingapparatus to use all print media in one feeding unit and then causingthe printing apparatus to use print media in another feeding unit, and asecond operation of completing a printing operation necessary for onejob to be processed by causing the printing apparatus to use some ofprint media in one feeding unit and while print media remain in thefeeding unit, causing the printing apparatus to use print media inanother feeding unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the foregoingproblem is solved by providing a method for controlling a printingsystem which enables a printing apparatus to use print media in aplurality of feeding units, comprising

selectively switching and executing, based on a condition without anexplicit instruction from an operator, a first operation of completing aprinting operation necessary for one job to be processed by causing theprinting apparatus to use all print media in one feeding unit and thencausing the printing apparatus to use print media in another feedingunit, and a second operation of completing a printing operationnecessary for one job to be processed by causing the printing apparatusto use some of print media in one feeding unit and while print mediaremain in the feeding unit, causing the printing apparatus to use printmedia in another feeding unit.

Further features of the present invention will be apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view for explaining an overall configuration of a printingenvironment including a printing system 1000 to be controlled in anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a configuration of the printing system1000 to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining an example of a UI unit to be controlledin the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view for explaining an example of the UI unit to becontrolled in the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an example of display control on the UIunit to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining an example of display control on the UIunit to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a view for explaining a control example of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a view for explaining the control example of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a view for explaining a control example of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a view for explaining the control example of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a view for explaining a control example of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a view for explaining the control example of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view for explaining an internal structure of aninline finisher to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view for explaining an internal structure of aninline finisher to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view for explaining an internal structure of aninline finisher to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining an example of display control on the UIunit to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a control example when creating aprinted material by the printing system 1000 to be controlled in theembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a control example when creating aprinted material by the printing system 1000 to be controlled in theembodiment;

FIG. 17A is a view for explaining an example of display control on theUI unit to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 17B is a view for explaining an example of display control on theUI unit to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 18A is a view for explaining an example of display control on theUI unit to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 18B is a view for explaining an example of display control on theUI unit to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 18C is a view for explaining an example of display control on theUI unit to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 18D is a view for explaining an example of display control on theUI unit to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a view showing another system configuration of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view for explaining control associated with alarge-volume stacker in the embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining an operation sequence when theremaining numbers of sheets in all available paper cassettes havereached a lower limit value in the embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining an operation sequence when theremaining numbers of sheets in all available paper cassettes havereached a lower limit value in the embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining an operation sequence when theremaining numbers of sheets in all available paper cassettes havereached a lower limit value in the embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a view for explaining the timing to switch a feeding stagebetween the first and second operations;

FIG. 25 is a view for explaining a feeding stage switching sequence inthe operation sequence of FIG. 21;

FIG. 26 is a view for explaining settings made on an operation unit inthe embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a view for explaining settings made on the operation unit inthe embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a view for explaining settings made on the operation unit inthe embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a view for explaining settings made on the operation unit inthe embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a view for explaining settings made on the operation unit inthe embodiment; and

FIG. 31 is a view for explaining the memory map of a storage medium(recording medium) which stores various data processing programsreadable by an information processing apparatus according to the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that therelative arrangement of the components, the numerical expressions andnumerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scopeof the present invention unless it is specifically stated otherwise.

The configuration of a printing system and that of an entire printingenvironment including the printing system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20.After that, configurations particularly important for solving theconventional problems described above will be described with referenceto FIGS. 21 to 31.

[Description of System Configuration of Entire Printing EnvironmentIncluding Printing System 1000]

FIG. 1 is a view for explaining an overall configuration of a printingenvironment including a printing system 1000 to be controlled in theembodiment.

The embodiment assumes a printing environment such as the PODenvironment different from the office environment in order to solveproblems described in Description of the Related Art. The embodimentwill explain the system environment of an entire POD printing system10000 including the printing system 1000. The printing environmentitself is a feature of the embodiment. In the embodiment, a printingenvironment where the printing system 1000 is applicable is also suitedto the POD environment and is called a POD printing system.

The POD printing system 10000 in FIG. 1 comprises, as buildingcomponents, the printing system 1000 of the embodiment, a PC (servercomputer) 103, and a PC (client computer) 104. The POD printing system10000 also comprises a paper folding apparatus 107, cutting apparatus109, saddle stitching apparatus 110, case binding apparatus 108, scanner102, and the like. In this manner, a plurality of apparatuses areprepared in the POD printing system 10000.

The printing system 1000 comprises a printing apparatus 100 and sheetprocessing apparatus 200 as building components. As an example of theprinting apparatus 100, the embodiment will explain a multi-functionperipheral having a plurality of functions such as the copy function andPC print function. However, the printing apparatus 100 may be a singlefunction type printing apparatus having only the PC function or copyfunction. The multi-function peripheral will also be called an MFPhereinafter.

The paper folding apparatus 107, cutting apparatus 109, saddle stitchingapparatus 110, and case binding apparatus 108 in FIG. 1 are defined assheet processing apparatuses, similar to the sheet processing apparatus200 of the printing system 1000. This is because these apparatuses canexecute sheet processes for sheets of a job printed by the printingapparatus 100 of the printing system 1000.

For example, the paper folding apparatus 107 can fold sheets of a jobprinted by the printing apparatus 100. The cutting apparatus 109 can cuta bundle of sheets printed by the printing apparatus 100. The saddlestitching apparatus 110 can saddle-stitch sheets of a job printed by theprinting apparatus 100. The case binding apparatus 108 can case-bindsheets of a job printed by the printing apparatus 100.

To execute various sheet processes by these sheet processingapparatuses, the operator needs to take out a printed material of a jobprinted by the printing apparatus 100 from the delivery unit of theprinting apparatus 100, and set the printed material in a target sheetprocessing apparatus.

When using a sheet processing apparatus other than the sheet processingapparatus 200 of the printing system 1000, intervention work by theoperator is required after print processing by the printing apparatus100.

In other words, when the sheet processing apparatus 200 of the printingsystem 1000 executes sheet processing required for a job printed by theprinting apparatus 100, no intervention work by the operator isnecessary after the printing apparatus 100 executes print processing.This is because the printing apparatus 100 can directly supply sheetsprinted by it to the sheet processing apparatus 200.

More specifically, the sheet feeding path in the printing apparatus 100can be coupled to that in the sheet processing apparatus 200. The sheetprocessing apparatus 200 and printing apparatus 100 of the printingsystem 1000 are physically connected to each other. In addition, theprinting apparatus 100 and sheet processing apparatus 200 comprise CPUsand can communicate data. The printing apparatus 100 and sheetprocessing apparatus 200 are electrically connected to each other.

In the embodiment, the control unit of the printing systemcomprehensively controls the printing apparatus 100 and sheet processingapparatus 200. For example, in the embodiment, a control unit 205 in theprinting apparatus 100 in FIG. 2 performs comprehensive control. In theembodiment, these sheet processing apparatuses are also calledpost-processing apparatuses or post-presses.

All these apparatuses in the POD printing system 10000 of FIG. 1 exceptthe saddle stitching apparatus 110 are connected to a network 101 andcan communicate data with each other.

For example, the printing apparatus 100 prints print data of a targetjob whose printing execution request is transmitted via the network 101from an information processing apparatus serving as an example ofexternal apparatuses such as the PCs 103 and 104.

For example, the PC 103 manages all jobs to be processed in the PODprinting system 10000 by transmitting/receiving data to/from anotherapparatus by network communication. In other words, the PC 103 functionsas a computer which comprehensively manages a series of workflow stepsincluding a plurality of processing steps. The PC 103 determinespost-processing conditions capable of finishing in the POD printingsystem 10000 on the basis of a job instruction accepted from anoperator. In addition, the PC 103 designates a post-processing(finishing) step complying with a request from an end user (customer whorequests printing in this example). At this time, the PC 103 usesinformation exchange tools such as JDF to exchange information withrespective post-processing devices using commands and statuses inpost-presses.

As a point of the embodiment in the POD printing system 10000 having theabove-mentioned building components, the embodiment classifies the abovesheet processing apparatuses into three categories and defines them asfollows.

[Definition 1] A sheet processing apparatus which satisfies both(condition 1) and (condition 2) listed below is defined as an “inlinefinisher”. The embodiment also refers to an apparatus satisfying thisdefinition as an inline type sheet processing apparatus.

(Condition 1) The paper path (sheet feeding path) of a sheet processingapparatus is physically connected to the printing apparatus 100 so thatthe sheet processing apparatus can directly receive sheets conveyed fromthe printing apparatus 100 without any operator intervention.

(Condition 2) A sheet processing apparatus is electrically connected toanother apparatus so as to communicate data necessary for an operationinstruction, status confirmation, and the like with another apparatus.More specifically, a sheet processing apparatus is electricallyconnected to the printing apparatus 100 so as to communicate data withit, or electrically connected to an apparatus (e.g., the PC 103 or 104)other than the printing apparatus 100 via the network 101 so as tocommunicate data with the apparatus. A sheet processing apparatus whichsatisfies at least either condition meets (condition 2).

More specifically, the sheet processing apparatus 200 of the printingsystem 1000 corresponds to an “inline finisher”. This is because thesheet processing apparatus 200 is physically and electrically connectedto the printing apparatus 100, as described above.

[Definition 2] A sheet processing apparatus which satisfies not(condition 1) but (condition 2) out of (condition 1) and (condition 2)listed above is defined as a “near-line finisher”. The embodiment alsorefers to an apparatus satisfying this definition as a near-line typesheet processing apparatus.

For example, the paper path of a sheet processing apparatus is notconnected to the printing apparatus 100, and the sheet processingapparatus requires intervention work by an operator such as carrying ofa printed material. However, the sheet processing apparatus canelectrically exchange information such as an operation instruction andstatus confirmation via a communication means such as the network 101. Asheet processing apparatus which meets these conditions will be definedas a “near-line finisher”.

More specifically, the paper folding apparatus 107, cutting apparatus109, saddle stitching apparatus 110, and case binding apparatus 108 inFIG. 1 correspond to “near-line finishers”. This is because these sheetprocessing apparatuses are not physically connected to the printingapparatus 100, but are electrically connected to another apparatus suchas the PC 103 or 104 via the network 101 so as to communicate data.

[Definition 3] A sheet processing apparatus which satisfies neither(condition 1) nor (condition 2) listed above is defined as an “offlinefinisher”. The embodiment also refers to an apparatus satisfying thisdefinition as an offline type sheet processing apparatus.

For example, the paper path of a sheet processing apparatus is notconnected to the printing apparatus 100, and the sheet processingapparatus requires intervention work by an operator such as carrying ofa printed material. Further, the sheet processing apparatus does notcomprise any communication unit necessary for an operation instructionand status confirmation, and cannot operator carries an output material,sets it, manually inputs an operation, and manually gives a statusreport from the device. A sheet processing apparatus which meets theseconditions will be defined as an “offline finisher”.

More specifically, the saddle stitching apparatus 110 in FIG. 1corresponds to an “offline finisher”. This is because this sheetprocessing apparatus is not physically connected to the printingapparatus 100, cannot be connected to the network 101, is notelectrically connected to another apparatus, and cannot communicate datato another apparatus.

Various sheet processes are executable in the POD printing system 10000having various sheet processing apparatuses classified into these threecategories.

For example, printed media of a job printed by the printing apparatus100 can undergo various sheet processes such as cutting, saddlestitching, case binding, sheet folding, punching, sealing, andcollation. Sheets can be processed in a bookbinding printing style theend user (client) wants.

Near-line finishers and offline finishers managed by the PC 103 includevarious finishers such as a dedicated stapler, dedicated puncher,inserter, and collator.

The PC 103 grasps a device status and job status from near-linefinishers via the network 101 by sequential polling or the like using apredetermined protocol. In addition, the PC 103 manages the executionstatuses (progresses) of many jobs processed by the POD printing system10000.

In the embodiment, different sheet processing apparatuses may execute aplurality of types of print sheet processes described above, or onesheet processing apparatus may execute them. The printing system maycomprise any of sheet processing apparatuses.

Another point of the embodiment will be explained.

The printing system 1000 in FIG. 1 comprises the printing apparatus 100,and the sheet processing apparatus 200 detachable from the printingapparatus 100. The sheet processing apparatus 200 can directly receive,via the sheet feeding path, sheets of a job printed by the printingapparatus 100. The sheet processing apparatus 200 executes sheetprocessing requested by a user together with a printing executionrequest via a user interface unit for sheets of a job printed by aprinter unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100. This is apparent fromthe fact that the sheet processing apparatus 200 is an inline type sheetprocessing apparatus, as described above.

It should be noted that the sheet processing apparatus 200 in theembodiment can also be defined as a group of sheet processingapparatuses 200. This is because in the embodiment, a plurality of sheetprocessing apparatuses, which are independent housings and independentlyavailable, can be coupled to the printing apparatus 100 and used as thesheet processing apparatus 200.

For example, the printing system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 comprises theprinting apparatus 100 and three sheet processing apparatuses. In otherwords, in the printing system 1000 in FIG. 1, three sheet processingapparatuses are series-connected to the printing apparatus 100. In theembodiment, a configuration in which a plurality of sheet processingapparatuses are connected to the printing apparatus 100 is calledcascade connection.

The embodiment handles, as inline finishers, all sheet processingapparatuses included in a group of sheet processing apparatuses 200cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100. The control unit 205 inFIG. 2 serving as an example of the control unit of the printing system1000 comprehensively controls the printing apparatus 100 and a pluralityof inline type sheet processing apparatuses, and executes variouscontrol examples to be described below in the embodiment. The embodimentalso has this feature. This configuration will be described later withreference to FIG. 3 and the like.

[Internal Configuration (Mainly Software Configuration) of PrintingSystem 1000]

The internal configuration (mainly software configuration) of theprinting system 1000 will be explained with reference to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment.

In the embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 incorporates all the unitsof the printing system 1000 shown in FIG. 2 except the sheet processingapparatus 200 (strictly speaking, a group of sheet processingapparatuses configurable by a plurality of inline type sheet processingapparatuses).

In other words, the sheet processing apparatus 200 is detachable fromthe printing apparatus 100, and is providable as an option of theprinting apparatus 100. This configuration aims to provide a necessarynumber of necessary inline finishers in the POD environment. For thispurpose, the printing system 1000 adopts the following configuration.

The printing apparatus 100 incorporates a nonvolatile memory such as aHDD (to be referred to as an HD hereinafter) 209 capable of storing aplurality of job data to be processed. The printing apparatus 100 has acopy function of printing, by the printer unit 203 via the HD, job dataaccepted from a scanner unit 201 of the printing apparatus 100. Theprinting apparatus 100 also has a print function of printing, by theprinter unit 203 via the HD, job data accepted from an externalapparatus such as the PC 103 or 104 via an external I/F 202 serving asan example of a communication unit. The printing apparatus 100 is an MFPtype printing apparatus (to be also referred to as an image formingapparatus) having a plurality of functions.

The printing apparatus according to the embodiment can take any formsuch as a color or monochrome printing apparatus as long as it canexecute various control examples described in the embodiment.

The printing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment comprises thescanner unit 201 which scans an original document image and processesscanned image data. The printing apparatus 100 also comprises theexternal I/F 202 which transmits/receives image data to/from a facsimiledevice, network connection device, or external dedicated device. Theprinting apparatus 100 comprises the HDD 209 capable of storing imagedata of jobs to be printed that are accepted from either the scannerunit 201 or external I/F 202. The printing apparatus 100 comprises theprinter unit 203 which prints target job data stored in the HDD 209 on aprint

The printing apparatus 100 further comprises an operation unit 204 whichhas a display unit and serves as an example of the user interface unitof the printing system 1000. Other examples of the user interface unitprovided by the printing system 1000 are the display unit, keyboard, andmouse of an external apparatus such as the PC 103 or 104.

The controller (to be also referred to as a control unit or CPU) 205serving as an example of the control unit of the printing system 1000comprehensively controls the processes, operations, and the like ofvarious units of the printing system 1000.

A ROM 207 stores various control programs necessary in the embodimentincluding programs for executing various processes of flowcharts shownin FIGS. 21 to 23 and the like. The ROM 207 also stores a displaycontrol program for displaying various UI windows on the display unit ofthe operation unit 204 including user interface windows (to be referredto as UI windows hereinafter) shown in the drawings.

The control unit 205 reads out and executes programs from the ROM 207,and causes the printing apparatus 100 to execute various operationsdescribed in the embodiment. The ROM 207 also stores, e.g., a programfor executing an operation to interpret PDL (Page Description Language)code data received from an external apparatus (e.g. the PC 103 or 104)via the external I/F 202, and rasterize the PDL code data into rasterimage data (bitmap image data). These programs are processed bysoftware.

The ROM 207 is a read-only memory, and stores programs (e.g., a bootsequence and font information) and various programs (e.g., theabove-mentioned programs) in advance.

A RAM 208 is a readable/writable memory, and stores image data, variousprograms, and setting information sent from the scanner unit 201 orexternal I/F 202 via a memory controller.

The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 209 is a large-capacity storage device whichstores image data compressed by a compression/decompression unit 210.The HDD 209 can hold a plurality of data such as print data of a job tobe processed.

The control unit 205 controls the printer unit 203 to print, via the HDD209, target job data which are input via various input units such as thescanner unit 201 and external I/F 202. The control unit 205 alsocontrols to transmit job data to an external apparatus via the externalI/F 202. In this fashion, the control unit 205 controls to executevarious output processes for target job data stored in the HDD 209.

The compression/decompression unit 210 compresses/decompresses imagedata and the like stored in the RAM 208 and HDD 209 in accordance withvarious compression schemes such as JBIG and JPEG.

With the above-described configuration, the control unit 205 serving asan example of the control unit of the printing system controls even theoperation of the inline type sheet processing apparatus 200, as shown inFIG. 1. The mechanical structure of the printing system 1000 including adescription of this operation will be explained with reference to FIG. 3and the like.

[Apparatus Configuration (Mainly Mechanical Structure) of PrintingSystem 1000]

The configuration (mainly mechanical structure) of the printing system1000 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a view forexplaining a configuration of the printing system 1000 to be controlledin the embodiment.

As described above, in the printing system 1000, a plurality of inlinetype sheet processing apparatuses can be cascade-connected to theprinting apparatus 100. An arbitrary number of inline type sheetprocessing apparatuses connectable to the printing apparatus 100 can beinstalled in accordance with the use environment in order to enhance theeffects of the embodiment under specific limitations.

To make the description clearer, N sheet of sheet processing apparatusesin FIGS. 2 and 3.

Sheet processing apparatuses are defined as sheet processing apparatuses200 a, 200 b, . . . , 200 n sequentially from the first sheet processingapparatus, and the nth sheet processing apparatus is defined as a sheetprocessing apparatus 200 n. For descriptive convenience, each sheetprocessing apparatus 200 has a shape as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, but hasan actual appearance to be described later.

A mechanical structure will be explained when the printing apparatus 100executes print processing corresponding to a step preceding to sheetprocesses executed by the inline type sheet processing apparatuses 200.A paper handling operation and the like until sheets of a printed jobare supplied from the printer unit 203 into the sheet processingapparatus 200 will be explained. The controller (to be also referred toas a control unit or CPU hereinafter) 205 in FIG. 2 causes the printingapparatus 100 to mainly execute the paper handling operation and thelike.

Of reference numerals 301 to 322 shown in FIG. 3, reference numeral 301corresponds to the mechanical structure of the scanner unit 201 in FIG.2. Reference numerals 302 to 322 correspond to the mechanical structureof the printer unit 203 in FIG. 2. The embodiment will describe thestructure of a ID type color MFP. A 4D type color MFP and monochrome MFPare also examples of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment,but a description thereof will be omitted.

The auto document feeder (ADF) 301 in FIG. 3 separates the first andsubsequent original document sheets in the order of pages from anoriginal document bundle set on the support surface of the documenttray, and feeds each original document sheet to the document tableglass. The scanning unit 302 scans and reads the image of the originaldocument sheet fed onto the document table glass, and converts the imageinto image data by a CCD. A light ray (e.g., a laser beam) modulated inaccordance with the image data strikes the rotary polygon mirror 303,and irradiates the photosensitive drum 304 as a reflected scan beam viaa reflecting mirror. A latent image formed by the laser beam on thephotosensitive drum 304 is developed with toner. The toner image istransferred onto a sheet material supported on the transfer drum 305. Aseries of image forming processes is executed sequentially with yellow(Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners, forming a full-colorimage. After four image forming processes, the sheet material bearingthe full-color image is separated by the separation gripper 306 from thetransfer drum 305, and conveyed to the fixing unit 308 by the pre-fixingconveyor 307.

The fixing unit 308 comprises a combination of rollers and belts, andincorporates a heat source such as a halogen heater. The fixing unit 308fuses and fixes, by heat and pressure, toner on a sheet material bearinga toner image. The delivery flapper 309 is swingable about the swingshaft, and regulates the sheet material conveyance direction. When thedelivery flapper 309 swings clockwise in FIG. 3, a sheet material isconveyed straight, and discharged outside the apparatus by the deliveryrollers 310. To form images on the two surfaces of a sheet material, thedelivery flapper 309 swings counterclockwise in FIG. 3. The course ofthe sheet material changes downward to supply the sheet material to thedouble-sided conveyor. The double-sided conveyor comprises the reverseflapper 311, reverse rollers 312, reverse guide 313, and double-sidedtray 314.

The reverse flapper 311 is swingable about the swing shaft, andregulates the sheet material conveyance direction. To process adouble-sided print job, the control unit 205 controls to swing thereverse flapper 311 counterclockwise in FIG. 3 and supply a sheet havingthe first surface printed by the printer unit 203 to the reverse guide313 via the reverse rollers 312. While the reverse rollers 312 clamp thetrailing end of the sheet material, the reverse rollers 312 temporarilystop, the reverse flapper 311 swings clockwise in FIG. 3, and thereverse rollers 312 rotate backward. The sheet is switched back toreplace its trailing and leading ends, and then the sheet is guided tothe double-sided tray 314.

The double-sided tray 314 temporarily supports the sheet material, andthe refeed roller 315 supplies the sheet material again to theregistration rollers 316. At this time, the sheet material is sent witha surface opposite to the first surface in the transfer step facing thephotosensitive drum. The second image is formed on the second surface ofthe sheet by the same process as that described above. After the imagesare formed on the two surfaces of the sheet material, the sheetundergoes the fixing step and is discharged from the printing apparatusmain body to outside the apparatus via the delivery rollers 310. Thecontrol unit 205 executes this double-sided print sequence, and allowsthe printing apparatus 100 to execute double-sided printing of targetjob data on the first and second surfaces of a sheet.

The sheet feed/conveyance section comprises the paper cassettes 317 and318 (each capable of storing, e.g., 500 sheets) as feeding units storingsheets necessary for print processing, the paper deck 319 (capable ofstoring, e.g., 5,000 sheets), and the manual feed tray 320. Units forfeeding sheets stored in these feeding units are the pickup rollers 321,registration rollers 316, and the like. The paper cassettes 317 and 318and the paper deck 319 are configured to be able to set sheets ofvarious materials at various sheet sizes in distinction from each otherin the feeding units.

The manual feed tray 320 is also configured to be able to set a varietyof print media including a special sheet such as an OHP sheet. The papercassettes 317 and 318, the paper deck 319, and the manual feed tray 320respectively have the pickup rollers 321, and are configured to be ableto successively feed sheets one by one. For example, a pickup rollersequentially picks up stacked sheet materials. A separation rollerfacing the pickup roller 321 prevents multi feed, and sheet materialsare supplied one by one to the conveyance guide. The separation rollerreceives, via a torque limiter (not shown), a driving force for rotatingthe separation roller in a direction opposite to the conveyancedirection. When only one sheet material enters a nip formed between theseparation roller and the pickup roller, the separation roller rotatesin the conveyance direction following the sheet material.

If multi feed occurs, the separation roller rotates in the directionopposite to the conveyance direction to set back the multi-fed sheetmaterials and supply only one top sheet material. The supplied sheetmaterial is guided between the conveyance guides, and conveyed to theregistration rollers 316 by a plurality of conveyance rollers. At thistime, the registration rollers 316 stand still. The leading end of thesheet material abuts against the nip formed between the pair ofregistration rollers 316. Then, the sheet material forms a loop tocorrect skew. The registration rollers 316 start rotating to convey thesheet material in synchronism with the timing of a toner image formed onthe photosensitive drum 304 in the image forming section. By theattraction roller 322, the sheet material sent by the registrationrollers 316 is electrostatically attracted onto the surface of thetransfer drum 305. The sheet material discharged from the fixing unit308 is introduced into the sheet feeding path in the sheet processingapparatus 200 via the delivery rollers 310.

Through the above-described print process, the control unit 205processes a job to be printed. The control unit 205 causes the printerunit 203 by the above-described method to print job print data stored inthe HDD 209 from a data generation source on the basis of a printingexecution request accepted from a user via the UI unit.

For example, the data generation source of a job whose printingexecution request is accepted from the operation unit 204 means thescanner unit 201. The data generation source of a job whose printingexecution request is accepted from a host computer is the host computer,as a mater of course.

The control unit 205 stores print data of a job to be processedsequentially from the start page in the HDD 209, and reads out the printdata of the job sequentially from the start page from the HDD 209 toform the image of the print data on a sheet. The control unit 205performs this start page processing. In addition, the control unit 205supplies printed sheets sequentially from the start page to the sheetfeeding path in the sheet processing apparatus 200 with the imagesurfaces of the sheets facing down. For this purpose, immediately beforea sheet enters the sheet processing apparatus 200 via the deliveryrollers 310, the control unit 205 causes the delivery flapper 309,reverse rollers 312, and the like to execute a switchback operation toreverse the sheet traveling from the fixing unit 308. The control unit205 also executes paper handling control for the start page processing.

The arrangement of the inline type sheet processing apparatus 200 of theprinting system 1000 also having the printing apparatus 100 will beexplained. As shown in FIG. 3, the printing system 1000 according to theembodiment comprises a total of n inline type sheet processingapparatuses cascade-connectable to the printing apparatus 100. Thenumber of installed inline type sheet processing apparatuses isarbitrary as much as possible. However, the printing system 1000 mustutilize at least a sheet processing apparatus which can supply a sheetprinted by the printer unit 203 to an internal sheet processing unitwithout any intervention work by an operator. In other words, theprinting system 1000 must utilize a sheet processing apparatus having asheet feeding path (paper path) capable of conveying, within theapparatus, a print medium discharged from the printer unit 203 via thedelivery rollers 310 of the printing apparatus 100. The printing system1000 is configured to follow this restriction.

The printing system 1000 is flexibly configurable as long as it followsthis restriction, as one mechanism for enhancing the effects of theembodiment. For example, the number of connected inline type sheetprocessing apparatuses is arbitrary such as three or five. Theembodiment also assumes the POD environment where the administratordetermines that no inline type sheet processing apparatus is necessary,in order to increase the use efficiency of an offline type sheetprocessing apparatus. For example, even when no inline type sheetprocessing apparatus is used (i.e., the number of inline type sheetprocessing apparatuses is 0); the printing apparatus 100 of theembodiment is available.

When cascade-connecting a plurality of inline type sheet processingapparatuses to the printing apparatus 100, a specific user (e.g.,administrator) can arbitrarily change and determine their connectionorder under the restriction.

The above-mentioned mechanism aims to improve user friendliness, and isnot an indispensable constituent feature. In other words, the presentinvention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the presentinvention is applicable to a system configuration which uniformlydefines the number of inline type sheet processing apparatuses availablein the printing system 1000 and their connection order.

The present invention incorporates any configuration as long as at leastone of various job control examples (to be described later) isexecutable.

How many and what kinds of inline type sheet processing apparatuses areconnectable to the printing apparatus 100 in the printing system 1000,how to connect them, and what kinds of sheet processes they can executewill be described later.

[Arrangement of Operation Unit 204 as Example of UI Unit of PrintingSystem 1000]

The operation unit 204 serving as an example of the user interface unit(to be referred to as a UI unit hereinafter) of the printing apparatus100 in the printing system 1000 will be explained with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic views for explaining an example of the UIunit to be controlled in the embodiment.

The operation unit 204 comprises a key input section 402 capable ofaccepting a user operation with hard keys, and a touch panel 401 servingas an example of a display unit capable of accepting a user operationwith soft keys (display keys).

As shown in FIG. 5, the key input section 402 comprises a switch 501. Inresponse to an operation to the switch 501 by a user, the control unit205 selectively switches between the standby mode (normal operationstate) and the sleep mode (state in which the program stops in wait foran interrupt in preparation for network printing, facsimiletransmission, or the like, suppressing power consumption). The controlunit 205 controls to accept a user operation to the switch 501 while amain power switch (not shown) for supplying power to the whole system isON.

A start key 503 allows accepting an instruction from a user to cause theprinting apparatus to start a kind of job processing designated by theuser, such as copying or transmission of a job to be instruction fromthe user to cause the printing apparatus to interrupt the process of anaccepted job.

A ten-key pad 506 allows the user to set the entries of varioussettings. A clear key 507 is used to cancel various parameters such asentries set by the user via the ten-key pad 506.

A reset key 504 is used to accept an instruction from the user toinvalidate various settings made by the user for a job to be processedand restore the setting values to defaults. A user mode key 505 is usedto shift to a system setup window for each user.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the touch panel (to be also referred toas a display unit) 401 serving as an example of a user interface unitprovided by the printing system.

The touch panel 401 has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and a touchpanel display formed from a transparent electrode adhered onto the LCD.

The touch panel 401 has both a function of accepting various settingsfrom an operator and a function of presenting information to theoperator. For example, when detecting that the user presses a portioncorresponding to a valid display key on the LCD, the control unit 205controls the touch panel 401 to display an operation windowcorresponding to the key stored in advance in the ROM 207.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an initial window displayed on the touchpanel 401 when the printing apparatus 100 is in the standby mode (statein which there is no job to be processed by the printing apparatus).

When the user presses a copy tab 601 on the touch panel 401 shown inFIG. 6, the control unit 205 causes the touch panel 401 to display theoperation window of the copy function provided by the printing apparatus100.

When the user presses a send tab 602, the control unit 205 causes thetouch panel 401 to display the operation window of the data sendfunction (e.g., FAX transmission or E-mail sending) provided by theprinting apparatus 100. When the user presses a box tab 603, the controlunit 205 causes the touch panel 401 to display the operation window ofthe box function provided by the printing apparatus 100.

The box function uses a plurality of data storage boxes (to be referredto boxes hereinafter) which are virtually ensured in the HDD 209 inadvance and are available distinctively for respective users. With thebox function, the control unit 205 allows a user to select a desired oneof boxes via the user interface unit, and can accept a desired operationfrom the user.

For example, the control unit 205 responds to an instruction input fromthe user via the operation unit 204, and controls the HDD 209 to store,in a box selected by the user, document data of a job accepted from thescanner 201 of the printing apparatus. The control unit 205 also allowsstoring, e.g., text data of a job accepted from an external apparatus(e.g., the PC 103 or 104) via the external I/F 202 in a box designatedby the user in accordance with an instruction designated by the userfrom the external apparatus via its user interface unit. The controlunit 205 controls, e.g., the printer unit 203 to print job data storedin a box in an output form the user wants in accordance with a userinstruction from the operation unit 204, or controls the external I/F202 to transmit the job data to an external apparatus the user wants.

To allow a user to execute various box operations, the control unit 205controls the touch panel 401 to display a box function operation windowin response to press of the box tab 603 by the user.

When the user presses an option tab 604 on the touch panel 401 of FIG.6, the control unit 205 causes the touch panel 401 to display a windowfor setting optional functions such as scanner setting. When the userpresses a system monitor key 617, the control unit 205 causes the touchpanel 401 to display a display window for notifying the user of the MFPstate or status.

A color selection setting key 605 is a display key which allows the userto select color copying, monochrome copying, or auto selection inadvance. A copy ratio setting key 608 causes the touch panel 401 todisplay a setup window which allows the user to set a copy ratio such asequal magnification, enlargement, or reduction.

When the user presses a double-sided key 614, the control unit 205causes the touch panel 401 to display a window which allows the user toset which of single-sided printing and double-sided printing is executedto print a target job.

In response to press of a sheet selection key 615 by the user, thecontrol unit 205 causes the touch panel 401 to display a window whichallows the user to set a feeding unit, sheet size, and sheet type(medium type) necessary to print a target job.

In response to press of a key 612 by the user, the control unit 205causes the touch panel 401 to display a window which allows the user toselect an image processing mode (e.g., a text mode or photo mode) suitedto an original document image. When the user operates a density settingkey 611, the control unit 205 allows him to adjust the density of theoutput image of a job to be printed.

The control unit 205 causes the touch panel 401 to display, in a statusdisplay field 606, the operation state (e.g., standby, warm-up,printing, jam, or error) of an event which occurs in the printingapparatus 100, in order to prompt the user to confirm the event. Thecontrol unit 205 causes the touch panel 401 to display information in adisplay field 607 for prompting the user to confirm the copy ratio of ajob to be processed. The control unit 205 causes the touch panel 401 todisplay information in a display field 616 for prompting the user toconfirm the sheet size and feeding mode of a job to be processed. Thecontrol unit 205 causes the touch panel 401 to display, in a displayfield 610, information for prompting the user to confirm the number ofcopies of a job to be processed, and information for prompting the userto confirm the sheet number during printing. In this manner, the controlunit 205 causes the touch panel 401 to display various kinds ofinformation to be announced to the user.

When the user presses an interrupt key 613, the control unit 205 causesthe printing apparatus 100 to stop printing a current job, and executeprinting of a job from the user. When the user presses an applicationmode key 618, the control unit 205 causes the touch panel 401 to displaya window for setting various image processes and layouts, such astwo-page separation, cover sheet/slip sheet setting, reduction layout,and image movement.

Still another point of the embodiment will be described.

As a setting for a job to be processed, the control unit 205 causes theUI unit to execute a display for accepting a request from a user toexecute sheet processing by the sheet processing unit of the inline typesheet processing apparatus 200 of the printing system 1000. The controlunit 205 also causes the UI unit to execute a display for accepting aninstruction from the user to cause the UI unit to execute this display.

For example, the control unit 205 causes the touch panel 401 to displaya sheet processing setting key 609 in FIG. 6. Assume that the userpresses the sheet processing setting key 609. Then, the control unit 205causes the touch panel 401 to execute a display for allowing the user tospecify desired sheet processing among sheet processing selectioncandidates executable using the inline type sheet processing apparatusof the printing system 1000. In the following description, “sheetprocessing” will also be referred to as “finishing”. As for “punching”,needs for various punching processes (processes to punch a printedsheet) are assumable in the POD environment.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining an example of display control on the UIunit to be controlled in the embodiment. The control unit 205 controlsto accept a request via the display of FIG. 7 to execute sheetprocessing by the sheet processing apparatus 200 for a printed sheet ofa job to be processed.

The control unit 205 determines sheet processing apparatus candidatesselectable via the display of FIG. 7 in accordance with the kind ofsheet processing apparatus arranged in the printing system 1000 and theinstallation of the sheet processing apparatus. For example, the displayof FIG. 7 permits accepting a request from a user to execute any type ofsheet processing among a plurality of types of sheet processes listedbelow for a sheet printed by the printer unit 203:

(1) stapling, (2) punching, (3) folding, (4) shift delivery, (5)cutting, (6) saddle stitching, (7) case binding as an example of gluebinding, (8) pad binding as another example of glue binding, and (9)large-volume stacking.

In the UI control example of FIG. 7, the control unit 205 controls theoperation unit 204 to set these nine sheet processes as selectioncandidates. This is because the inline type sheet processing apparatusesof the printing system 1000 can be used to selectively execute thesenine sheet processes.

In other words, the control unit 205 controls the UI unit to exclude atype of sheet processing unexecutable by the printing system 1000 fromselection candidates in the display of FIG. 7.

For example, when the printing system 1000 does not comprise one sheetprocessing apparatus capable of selectively executing case binding andpad binding, or this sheet processing apparatus is out of order, thecontrol unit 205 controls to invalidate keys 707 and 708. For example,the control unit 205 grays out and hatches the keys 707 and 708. Withthis setting, the control unit 205 controls not to accept a request froma user to execute these sheet processes. Further, when the printingsystem 1000 comprises a sheet processing apparatus capable of executingsheet processing different from the above-mentioned nine candidates, thecontrol unit 205 controls the display of FIG. 7 to validate a displaykey for accepting a request from a user to execute the different sheetprocessing.

With this display key, the control unit 205 permits accepting a requestfrom a user to execute the sheet processing. The embodiment prevents anyuser operation error by executing this display control in addition tojob processing control (to be described later).

When executing this control, the control unit 205 acquires systemconfiguration information for specifying what kind of sheet processingapparatus the printing system 1000 comprises as the sheet processingapparatus 200. In this control, the control unit 205 also uses, e.g.,status information for specifying whether an error occurs in the sheetprocessing apparatus 200. The control unit 205 acquires these pieces ofinformation by prompting a user to manually input them via the UI unit,or acquires them automatically on the basis of a signal output from thesheet processing apparatus 200 via a signal line when the sheetprocessing apparatus 200 is connected to the printing apparatus 100. Onthe premise of this configuration, the control unit 205 causes the touchpanel 401 to execute the display of FIG. 7 with display contents basedon the acquired information.

The printing system 1000 can accept a request from an external apparatussuch as the PC 103 or 104 to print a target job and a request to executesheet processing necessary for the job. When inputting a job from theexternal apparatus, the control unit 205 controls the display unit ofthe external apparatus serving as a print data transmission source todisplay the same functions as those of the display in FIG. 7. Forexample, in the embodiment, the control unit 205 causes the display unitof a computer such as the PC 103 or 104 to display a printer driversetup window (to be described later). When the UI of the externalapparatus executes the display, the control unit of the externalapparatus executes the above-described control. For example, when thedisplay unit of the PC 103 or 104 displays a printer driver UI window(to be described later), the CPU of the PC executes the main control.

[Concrete Example of Configuration of Printing System 1000 to BeControlled in Embodiment]

A system configuration representing how many and what kinds of inlinetype sheet processing apparatuses are connectable to the printingapparatus 100 in the printing system 1000, how to connect them, and whatkinds of sheet processes they can execute will be explained withreference to FIGS. 8A and 8B and the like.

FIG. 8A is a view for explaining a control example of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment. The embodiment canimplement, for example, a system configuration as shown in FIGS. 8A and8B as the printing system 1000 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

In the system configuration example of FIG. 8A, the printing system 1000comprises a total of three inline type sheet processing apparatuses,i.e., a large-volume stacker glue binding apparatus, and saddlestitching apparatus as a group of sheet processing apparatuses. In theconfiguration example of FIG. 8A, the large-volume stacker, glue bindingapparatus, and saddle stitching apparatus are connected in the ordernamed to the printing apparatus 100 of the printing system 1000. Thecontrol unit 205 serving as an example of the control unit of theprinting system 1000 comprehensively controls the printing system 1000having the system configuration as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

In the embodiment, the large-volume stacker is a sheet processingapparatus capable of stacking a large number of (e.g., 5,000) sheetsfrom the printer unit 203.

The glue binding apparatus in the embodiment is a sheet processingapparatus capable of executing case binding requiring sheet gluing whenbinding a bundle of sheets printed by the printer unit 203 by attachinga cover. The glue binding apparatus can also execute pad bindingcorresponding to sheet processing to glue and bind a bundle of sheetswithout attaching any cover. The glue binding apparatus is also called acase binding apparatus because it is a sheet processing apparatuscapable of executing at least case binding.

The saddle stitching apparatus is a sheet stapling, punching, cutting,shift delivery, saddle stitching, and folding for sheets from theprinter unit 203.

In the embodiment, the control unit 205 registers, in a specific memory,various kinds of system configuration information on these sheetprocessing apparatuses as management information necessary for variouscontrol examples. For example, when the printing system 1000 has thesystem configuration as shown in FIG. 8A, the control unit 205 registersthe following pieces of information in the HDD 209.

(Information 1) Information 1 is apparatus presence/absence informationwhich allows the control unit 205 to confirm that the printing system1000 comprises an inline type sheet processing apparatus. Information 1corresponds to information which allows the control unit to specifywhether the printing system 1000 comprises an inline type sheetprocessing apparatus.

(Information 2) Information 2 is inline sheet processing apparatus countinformation which allows the control unit 205 to confirm that theprinting system 1000 comprises three inline type sheet processingapparatuses 200. Information 2 corresponds to information which allowsthe control unit to specify the number of inline type sheet processingapparatuses of the printing system 1000.

(Information 3) Information 3 is inline sheet processing apparatus typeinformation which allows the control unit 205 to specify that theprinting system 1000 comprises the large-volume stacker, glue bindingapparatus, and saddle stitching apparatus. Information 3 corresponds toinformation which allows the control unit to confirm the types of inlinetype sheet processing apparatuses of the printing system 1000.

(Information 4) Information 4 includes information which allows thecontrol unit 205 to confirm that one of the three inline type sheetprocessing apparatuses is a large-volume stacker capable of stackingsheets from the printer unit 203. Information 4 includes apparatusperformance information which allows the control unit 205 to confirmthat another inline type sheet processing apparatuses is a glue bindingapparatus capable of executing glue binding (case binding and/or padbinding) for sheets from the printer unit 203. Information 4 includesinformation which allows the control unit 205 to confirm that theremaining inline type sheet processing apparatuses is a saddle stitchingapparatus capable of selectively executing stapling, punching, cutting,shift delivery, saddle stitching, and folding for sheets from theprinter unit 203. In other words, information 4 is information whichallows the control unit 205 to specify that sheet processes executableby the printing system are a total of nine processes: stapling,punching, cutting, shift delivery, saddle stitching, folding, casebinding, pad binding, and large-volume stacking. Information 4corresponds to information which allows the control unit to confirmperformance information of sheet processes executable by the inline typesheet processing apparatuses of the printing system 1000.

(Information 5) Information 5 is information which allows the controlunit 205 to confirm that the three sheet processing apparatuses arecascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100 in the order of thelarge-volume stacker, glue binding apparatus, and saddle stitchingapparatus. Information 5 corresponds to connection order information ofthese sheet processing apparatuses in the printing system when aplurality of inline finishers are connected.

The control unit 205 registers, in the HDD 209, various kinds ofinformation as represented by (information 1) to (information 5) assystem configuration information necessary for various control examples.The control unit 205 utilizes these pieces of information as criterioninformation necessary for job control (to be described later).

On the premise of this configuration, for example, the printing system1000 has the system configuration as shown in FIG. 8A. Control executedby the control unit 205 in this system configuration will beexemplified.

For example, when the printing system 1000 has the system configurationin FIGS. 8A and 8B, it can execute all the nine sheet processes. Thecontrol unit 205 recognizes this on the basis of the criteria of(information 1) to (information 5). Based on the recognition result, thecontrol unit 205 controls the UI unit to set all the nine sheetprocesses as selection candidates in the display of FIG. 7. In addition,the control unit 205 executes the following control in response to auser operation.

Assume that the control unit 205 accepts a stapling execution requestfrom a user via the UI unit for a target job in response to press of akey 701 by the user in the display of FIG. 7 executed by the UI unitunder the control of the control unit 205. In response to this request,the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitching apparatus correspondingto the sheet processing apparatus 200 c in FIG. 8A to staple printedsheets of the job.

Assume that the control unit 205 accepts a (sheet) punching executionrequest from a user via the UI unit for a target job in response topress of a key 702 by the user in the display of FIG. 7 executed by theUI unit under the control of the control unit 205. In response to thisrequest, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitching apparatuscorresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200 c in FIG. 8A topunch printed sheets of the job.

Assume that the control unit 205 accepts a cutting execution requestfrom a user via the UI unit for a target job in response to press of akey 703 by the user in the display of FIG. 7 executed by the UI unitunder the control of the control unit 205. In response to this request,the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitching apparatus correspondingto the sheet processing apparatus 200 c in FIG. 8A to cut printed sheetsof the job.

Assume that the control unit 205 accepts a cutting execution requestfrom a user via the UI unit for a target job in response to press of akey 704 by the user in the display of FIG. 7 executed by the UI unitunder the control of the control unit 205. In response to this request,the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitching apparatus correspondingto the sheet processing apparatus 200 c in FIG. 8A to cut printed sheetsof the job.

Assume that the control unit 205 accepts a saddle stitching executionrequest from a user via the UI unit for a target job in response topress of a key 705 by the user in the display of FIG. 7 executed by theUI unit under the control of the control unit 205. In response to thisrequest, the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitching apparatuscorresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200 c in FIG. 8A tosaddle-stitch printed sheets of the job.

Assume that the control unit 205 accepts a folding execution requestfrom a user via the UI unit for a target job in response to press of akey 706 by the user in the display of FIG. 7 executed by the UI unitunder the control of the control unit 205. In response to this request,the control unit 205 causes the saddle stitching apparatus correspondingto the sheet processing apparatus 200 c in FIG. 8A to fold (e.g.,Z-fold) printed sheets of the job.

Assume that the control unit 205 accepts a case binding executionrequest from a user via the UI unit for a target job in response topress of the key 707 by the user in the display of FIG. 7 executed bythe UI unit under the control of the control unit 205. In response tothis request, the control unit 205 causes the glue binding apparatuscorresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200 b in FIG. 8A tocase-bind printed sheets of the job.

Assume that the control unit 205 accepts a pad binding execution requestfrom a user via the UI unit for a target job in response to press of thekey 708 by the user in the display of FIG. 7 executed by the UI unitunder the control of the control unit 205. In response to this request,the control unit 205 causes the glue binding apparatus corresponding tothe sheet processing apparatus 200 b in FIG. 8A to pad-bind printedsheets of the job.

Assume that the control unit 205 accepts a large-volume stackingexecution request from a user via the UI unit for a target job inresponse to press of a key 709 by the user in the display of FIG. 7executed by the UI unit under the control of the control unit 205. Inresponse to this request, the control unit 205 causes the large-volumestacker corresponding to the sheet processing apparatus 200 a in FIG. 8Ato stack a large number of printed sheets of the job.

As described above, the control unit 205 controls to accept, via the UIunit together with a printing execution request, a request to executesheet processing the user wants among selection candidates correspondingto sheet processes executable by the sheet processing apparatuses of theprinting system 1000. In response to the printing execution request fromthe user via the UI unit provided by the embodiment, the control unit205 causes the printer unit 203 to execute print processing necessaryfor the job. Further, the control unit 205 causes a sheet processingapparatus of the printing system 1000 to execute sheet processingnecessary for printed sheets of the job.

As another feature of the embodiment, the control unit 205 executes thefollowing control in the printing system 1000.

Assume that the printing system 1000 has the system configuration asshown in FIG. 8A. In other words, the printing system 1000 is built byconnecting the printing apparatus 100, large-volume stacker, gluebinding apparatus, and saddle stitching apparatus in the order named.The internal system configuration in this case is as shown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 8B is a sectional view of the apparatuses of the whole printingsystem 1000 when the printing system 1000 has the system configurationin FIG. 8A. The apparatus configuration in FIG. 8B corresponds to thatin FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8B is a sectional view of the apparatuses of the whole printingsystem 1000. The apparatus configuration in FIG. 8B corresponds to thatin FIG. 8A.

As is apparent from the internal apparatus configuration in FIG. 8B, asheet printed by the printer unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100 issuppliable into the respective sheet processing apparatuses. Morespecifically, as shown in FIG. 8B, the respective sheet processingapparatuses comprise sheet feeding paths capable of feeding a sheet viapoints A, B, and C in the apparatuses.

Each inline type sheet processing apparatus such as the sheet processingapparatus 200 a or 200 b in FIG. 8B has a function of receiving a sheetfrom a preceding apparatus connected to the input side of the sheetprocessing apparatus even if a target job does not require sheetprocessing executable by the sheet processing apparatus. Each inlinetype sheet processing apparatus also has a function of transferring asheet received from a preceding apparatus to a succeeding apparatusconnected to the output side of the sheet processing apparatus.

As described above, in the printing system 1000 of the embodiment, asheet processing apparatus, which executes sheet processing differentfrom sheet processing necessary for a target job, has a function ofconveying sheets of the target job from a preceding apparatus to asucceeding apparatus. This configuration is also a feature of theembodiment.

For example, when the printing system 1000 has the system configurationshown in FIGS. 8A and 8B on the premise of the above-described systemconfiguration, the control unit 205 executes the following exemplarycontrol for a job for which the user issues a printing execution requestvia the UI unit according to the above-described method.

Assume that a target job whose printing execution request is acceptedfrom the user requires sheet processing (e.g., stacking) by thelarge-volume stacker after print processing in the system configurationof FIGS. 8A and 8B. This job is called a “stacker job”.

When processing the stacker job in the system configuration of FIGS. 8Aand 8B, the control unit 205 makes job sheets printed by the printingapparatus 100 pass through point A in FIG. 8B, and causes thelarge-volume stacker to execute sheet processing. The control unit 205causes the large-volume stacker to hold, at a delivery destination Xinside the large-volume stacker shown in FIG. 8B, the printing result ofthe stacker job having undergone the sheet processing (e.g., stacking)by the large-volume stacker, without conveying the printing result toanother apparatus (e.g., a succeeding apparatus).

The operator can directly take out, from the delivery destination X, theprinted material of the stacker job held at the delivery destination Xin FIG. 8B. In other words, this configuration can omit a series ofapparatus operations and operator operations to convey sheets to a mostdownstream delivery destination Z in the sheet conveyance direction inFIG. 8B and take out the printed material of the stacker job from thedelivery destination Z.

A series of control operations executed by the control unit 205 when theprinting system 1000 has the system configuration in FIGS. 8A and 8Bcorresponds to a control example (case 1) in FIG. 8B.

Assume that a target job whose printing execution request is acceptedfrom the user requires sheet processing (e.g., case binding or padbinding) by the glue binding apparatus after print processing in thesystem configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B. This job is called a “gluebinding job”.

When processing the glue binding job in the system configuration ofFIGS. 8A and 8B, the control unit 205 makes job sheets printed by theprinting apparatus 100 pass through points A and B in FIG. 8B, andcauses the glue binding apparatus to execute sheet processing. Thecontrol unit 205 causes the glue binding apparatus to hold, at adelivery destination Y inside the glue binding apparatus shown in FIG.8B, the printing result of the glue binding job having undergone thesheet processing (e.g., case binding or pad binding) by the glue bindingapparatus, without conveying the printing result to another apparatus(e.g., a succeeding apparatus).

The operator can directly take out, from the delivery destination Y, theprinted material of the glue binding job held at the deliverydestination Y in FIG. 8B. In other words, this configuration can omit aseries of apparatus operations and operator operations to convey sheetsto the most downstream delivery destination Z in the sheet conveyancedirection in FIG. 8B and take out the printed material of the gluebinding job from the delivery destination Z.

A series of control operations executed by the control unit 205 when theprinting system 1000 has the system configuration in FIGS. 8A and 8Bcorresponds to a control example (case 2) in FIG. 8B.

Assume that a target job whose printing execution request is acceptedfrom the user requires sheet processing (e.g., saddle stitching,punching, cutting, shift delivery, or folding) by the saddle stitchingapparatus after print processing in FIGS. 8A and 8B. This job is calleda “saddle stitching job”.

When processing the saddle stitching job in the system configuration ofFIGS. 8A and 8B, the control unit 205 makes job sheets printed by theprinting apparatus 100 pass through points A, B, and C in FIG. 8B, andcauses the saddle stitching apparatus to execute sheet processing. Thecontrol unit 205 causes the saddle stitching apparatus to hold, at thedelivery destination Z of the saddle stitching apparatus shown in FIG.8B, the printing result of the saddle stitching job having undergone thesheet processing by the saddle stitching apparatus, without conveyingthe printing result to another apparatus.

The delivery destination Z in FIG. 8B has a plurality of deliverydestination candidates. This is because the saddle stitching apparatusof the embodiment can execute a plurality of types of sheet processesand the delivery destination changes for each sheet process, which willbe described with reference to FIG. 13.

A series of control operations executed by the control unit 205 when theprinting system 1000 has the system configuration in FIGS. 8A and 8Bcorresponds to a control example (case 3) in FIG. 8B.

As described above, the control unit 205 serving as an example of thecontrol unit of the embodiment also executes paper handling controlbased on system configuration information of the printing system 1000that is stored in the HDD 209.

Information corresponding to the system configuration informationincludes information representing whether the system comprises an inlinefinisher, and when the system comprises an inline finisher, informationon the number of inline finishers and their performance information.When the system comprises a plurality of inline finishers, the systemconfiguration information also includes their connection orderinformation.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 8A, 8B, and the like, the printing system 1000according to the embodiment is configured to be able to connect aplurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses to the printingapparatus 100. As is apparent from a comparison between FIGS. 8A and 8Band FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B (to be described later), a plurality ofinline type sheet processing apparatuses can be independently connectedor disconnected, or a free combination of them can be attached to theprinting apparatus 100. The connection order of inline type sheetprocessing apparatuses is arbitrary as long as they are physicallyconnectable. However, the embodiment imposes restrictions on the systemconfiguration.

For example, an apparatus permitted to be adopted as an inline typesheet processing apparatus in the printing system 1000 has the followingconstituent features.

That is, a sheet processing apparatus can execute sheet processing forsheets of a job requiring sheet processing executable by the sheetprocessing apparatus, and has a sheet conveyance function of receiving,from a preceding apparatus, sheets of a job requiring no sheetprocessing by the sheet processing apparatus and transferring them to asucceeding apparatus. For example, in the embodiment, this sheetprocessing apparatus corresponds to the large-volume stacker and gluebinding apparatus shown in the system configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8Band that of FIGS. 9A and 9B (to be described later).

The embodiment also permits the use of a sheet processing apparatus,which does not meet the above configuration, as an inline type sheetprocessing apparatus in the printing system 1000. For example, thisapparatus satisfies the following requirements.

That is, a sheet processing apparatus can execute sheet processing forsheets of a job requiring sheet processing executable by the sheetprocessing apparatus, but does not have the sheet conveyance function ofreceiving, from a preceding apparatus, sheets of a job requiring nosheet processing by the sheet processing apparatus and transferring themto a succeeding apparatus. For example, in the embodiment, this sheetprocessing apparatus corresponds to the saddle stitching apparatus shownin the system configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B, that of FIGS. 9A and 9B,and that of FIGS. 10A and 10B (to be described later). The embodimentimposes restrictions on an apparatus of this type.

For example, when the printing system 1000 employs an inline finisher(e.g., the saddle stitching apparatus in FIGS. 8A and 8B) having nofunction of conveying sheets to a succeeding apparatus, the number ofapparatuses of this type is limited to one. However, it is permitted tosimultaneously use inline finishers of other types.

For example, it is permitted to use the large-volume stacker and gluebinding apparatus together with the saddle stitching apparatus, asrepresented by the system configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B and that ofFIGS. 9A and 9B (to be described later). When a plurality of sheetprocessing apparatuses are cascade-connected and used, an inline typesheet processing apparatus having no function of conveying sheets to asucceeding apparatus is installed at the most downstream position in thesheet conveyance direction.

For example, the saddle stitching apparatus is connected last in theprinting system 1000, as represented by the system configuration ofFIGS. 8A and 8B and that of FIGS. 9A and 9B (to be described later). Inother words, it is inhibited to configure the printing system byinterposing the saddle stitching apparatus between the large-volumestacker and the glue binding apparatus, as a system configurationdifferent from that of FIGS. 8A and 8B and that of FIGS. 9A and 9B (tobe described later).

The control unit of the printing system comprehensively controls theprinting system 1000 so as to operate under the above-describedrestrictions.

For example, if inline type sheet processing apparatuses are connectedin a connection order which violates the restrictions, the control unit205 causes the UI unit to display a warning. For example, when the userinputs the connection order of sheet processing apparatuses via the UIunit, as represented by the above-mentioned configuration, the controlunit 205 controls to invalidate a user setting which violates therestrictions. For example, the control unit 205 grays out or hatches thedisplay to inhibit any improper connection setting.

By employing this configuration, any user operation error, apparatusmalfunction, and the like can be prevented in the configuration of theembodiment. This configuration further enhances effects described in theembodiment.

On the premise of this configuration, according to the embodiment, theprinting system 1000 can be flexibly configured under the restrictions.

For example, the operator of the POD printing system 10000 canarbitrarily determine and change the connection order of inline typesheet processing apparatuses and the number of connected inline typesheet processing apparatuses under the restrictions. The printing system1000 executes control complying with the configuration. An example ofthis control will be described.

The printing system 1000 can also take a system configuration as shownin FIG. 9A, as a system configuration in which the connection order ofinline type sheet processing apparatuses changes from that in the systemconfiguration of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a view for explaining a control example of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment.

The system configuration of FIG. 9A is different from that of FIG. 8A inthe connection order of inline sheet processing apparatuses of theprinting system 1000. More specifically, the printing system 1000 isbuilt by connecting the printing apparatus 100, glue binding apparatus,large-volume stacker, and saddle stitching apparatus in the order named.The internal system configuration in this case is as shown in FIG. 9B.

FIG. 9B is a sectional view of the apparatuses of the whole printingsystem 1000 when the printing system 1000 has the system configurationin FIG. 9A. The system configuration in FIG. 9B corresponds to theinternal system configuration in FIG. 9A.

Similar to the above-described system configuration example, theinternal system configuration in FIG. 9B also allows supplying a sheetprinted by the printer unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100 into therespective sheet processing apparatuses. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 9B, the respective sheet processing apparatuses comprise sheetfeeding paths capable of feeding a sheet from the printer unit 203 viapoints A, B, and C in the apparatuses.

The system configuration in FIGS. 9A and 9B also follows theabove-mentioned restrictions. For example, the sheet processingapparatuses are cascade-connected to the printing apparatus 100 so as toinstall the saddle stitching apparatus at the most downstream positionin the sheet conveyance direction.

For example, when the printing system 1000 has the configuration shownin FIGS. 9A and 9B on the premise of the above configuration, thecontrol unit 205 executes the following control for a job for which theuser issues a printing execution request via the UI unit according tothe above-described method.

Assume that a target job whose printing execution request is acceptedfrom the user requires sheet processing (e.g., stacking) by thelarge-volume stacker after print processing in the system configurationof FIGS. 9A and 9B. This job is called a “stacker job”.

When processing the stacker job in the system configuration of FIGS. 9Aand 9B, the control unit 205 makes job sheets printed by the printingapparatus 100 pass through points A and B in FIG. 9B, and causes thelarge-volume stacker to execute sheet processing. The control unit 205causes the large-volume stacker to hold, at the delivery destination Yinside the large-volume stacker shown in FIG. 9B, the printing result ofthe stacker job having undergone the sheet processing (e.g., stacking)by the large-volume stacker, without conveying the printing result toanother apparatus (e.g., a succeeding apparatus).

The operator can directly take out, from the delivery destination Y, theprinted material of the stacker job held at the delivery destination Yin FIG. 9B. In other words, this configuration can omit a series ofapparatus operations and operator operations to convey sheets to themost downstream delivery destination Z in the sheet conveyance directionin FIG. 9B and take out the printed material of the stacker job from thedelivery destination Z.

A series of control operations executed by the control unit 205 when theprinting system 1000 has the system configuration in FIGS. 9A and 9Bcorresponds to a control example (case 1) in FIG. 9B.

Assume that a target job whose printing execution request is acceptedfrom the user requires sheet processing (e.g., case binding or padbinding) by the glue binding apparatus after print processing in thesystem configuration of FIGS. 9A and 9B. This job is called a “gluebinding job”.

When processing the glue binding job in the system configuration ofFIGS. 9A and 9B, the control unit 205 makes job sheets printed by theprinting apparatus 100 pass through point A in FIG. 9B, and causes theglue binding apparatus to execute sheet processing. The control unit 205causes the glue binding apparatus to hold, at the delivery destination Xinside the glue binding apparatus shown in FIG. 9B, the printing resultof the glue binding job having undergone the sheet processing (e.g.,case binding or pad binding) by the glue binding apparatus, withoutconveying the printing result to another apparatus (e.g., a succeedingapparatus).

The operator can directly take out, from the delivery destination X, theprinted material of the glue binding job held at the deliverydestination X in FIG. 9B. In other words, this configuration can omit aseries of apparatus operations and operator operations to convey sheetsto the most downstream delivery destination Z in the sheet conveyancedirection in FIG. 9B and take out the printed material of the gluebinding job from the delivery destination Z.

A series of control operations executed by the control unit 205 when theprinting system 1000 has the system configuration in FIGS. 9A and 9Bcorresponds to a control example (case 2) in FIG. 9B.

Assume that a target job whose printing execution request is acceptedfrom the user requires sheet processing (e.g., saddle stitching,punching, cutting, shift delivery, or folding) by the saddle stitchingapparatus after print processing in FIGS. 9A and 9B. This job is calleda “saddle stitching job”.

When processing the saddle stitching job in the system configuration ofFIGS. 9A and 9B, the control unit 205 makes job sheets printed by theprinting apparatus 100 pass through points A, B, and C in FIG. 9B, andcauses the saddle stitching apparatus to execute sheet processing. Thecontrol unit 205 causes the saddle stitching apparatus to hold, at thedelivery destination Z of the saddle stitching apparatus shown in FIG.9B, the printing result of the saddle stitching job having undergone thesheet processing by the saddle stitching apparatus, without conveyingthe printing result to another apparatus.

The delivery destination Z in FIG. 9B has a plurality of deliverydestination candidates. This is because the saddle stitching apparatusof the embodiment can execute a plurality of types of sheet processesand the delivery destination changes for each sheet process, which willbe described with reference to FIG. 13.

A series of control operations executed by the control unit 205 when theprinting system 1000 has the system configuration in FIGS. 9A and 9Bcorresponds to a control example (case 3) in FIG. 9B.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, the printing system 1000 isconfigured to be able to flexibly change the connection order of sheetprocessing apparatuses permitted to be used as inline sheet processingapparatuses under the restrictions. The present invention provides manymechanisms for maximizing the above-described effects of the embodiment.

From this viewpoint, in the embodiment, the printing system 1000 canproperly employ a configuration other than the system configurations asshown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B. An example of this configuration willbe explained below.

For example, the system configurations in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B eachcomprise three inline type sheet processing apparatuses. In theembodiment, the user can arbitrarily determine the number of inline typesheet processing apparatuses under the restrictions.

For example, the printing system 1000 can also adopt a systemconfiguration as shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10A is a view for explaining a control example of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment.

The system configuration of FIG. 10A is different from those of FIGS. 8Aand 9A in the number of connected sheet processing apparatuses. Morespecifically, the printing system 1000 is built by connecting two sheetprocessing apparatuses in the order of the printing apparatus 100,large-volume stacker, and saddle stitching apparatus. The internalsystem configuration in this case is as shown in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 10B is a sectional view of the system configuration of the overallprinting system 1000 when the printing system 1000 has the systemconfiguration in FIG. 1A. The apparatus configuration of FIG. 10Bcorresponds to that of FIG. 10A.

Similar to the above-described system configuration examples, theinternal apparatus configuration in FIG. 10B also allows supplying asheet printed by the printer unit 203 of the printing apparatus 100 intothe respective sheet processing apparatuses. More specifically, as shownin FIG. 10B, the respective sheet processing apparatuses comprise sheetfeeding paths capable of feeding a sheet via points A and B in theapparatuses. This system configuration also follows the above-describedrestrictions. For example, the sheet processing apparatuses are soconnected as to install the saddle stitching apparatus at the mostdownstream position in the sheet conveyance direction.

For example, when the printing system 1000 has the configuration shownin FIGS. 11A and 10B, the control unit 205 executes the followingexemplary control for a job for which the user issues a printingexecution request via the UI unit according to the above-describedmethod.

Assume that a target job whose printing execution request is acceptedfrom the user requires sheet processing (e.g., stacking) by thelarge-volume stacker after print processing in the system configurationof FIGS. 11A and 10B. This job is called a “stacker job”.

When processing the stacker job in the system configuration of FIGS. 10Aand 10B, the control unit 205 makes job sheets printed by the printingapparatus 100 pass through point A in FIG. 10B, and causes thelarge-volume stacker to execute sheet processing. The control unit 205causes the large-volume stacker to hold, at the delivery destination Xinside the large-volume stacker shown in FIG. 10B, the printing resultof the stacker job having undergone the sheet processing (e.g.,stacking) by the large-volume stacker, without conveying the printingresult to another apparatus (e.g., a succeeding apparatus).

The operator can directly take out, from the delivery destination X, theprinted material of the stacker job held at the delivery destination Xin FIG. 10B. In other words, this configuration can omit a series ofapparatus operations and operator operations to convey sheets to themost downstream delivery destination Y in the sheet conveyance directionin FIG. 10B and take out the printed material of the stacker job fromthe delivery destination Y.

A series of control operations executed by the control unit 205 when theprinting system 1000 has the system configuration in FIGS. 10A and 10Bcorresponds to a control example (case 1) in FIG. 10B.

Assume that a target job whose printing execution request is acceptedfrom the user requires sheet processing (e.g., saddle stitching,punching, cutting, shift delivery, or folding) by the saddle stitchingapparatus in FIGS. 10A and 10B. This job is called a “saddle stitchingjob”.

When processing the saddle stitching job in the system configuration ofFIGS. 10A and 10B, the control unit 205 makes job sheets printed by theprinting apparatus 100 pass through points A and B in FIG. 10B, andcauses the saddle stitching apparatus to execute sheet processing. Thecontrol unit 205 causes the saddle stitching apparatus to hold, at thedelivery destination Y of the saddle stitching apparatus shown in FIG.10B, the printing result of the saddle stitching job having undergonethe sheet processing by the saddle stitching apparatus, withoutconveying the printing result to another apparatus.

The delivery destination Y in FIG. 10B has a plurality of deliverydestination candidates. This is because the saddle stitching apparatusof the embodiment can execute a plurality of types of sheet processesand the delivery destination changes for each sheet processes, whichwill be described with reference to FIG. 13.

A series of control operations executed by the control unit 205 when theprinting system 1000 has the system configuration in FIGS. 10A and 10Bcorresponds to a control example (case 2) in FIG. 10B.

In the system configuration of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the control unit 205inhibits acceptance of a request from the user to execute sheetprocessing (e.g., case binding or pad binding) by the glue bindingapparatus.

For example, when the printing system has the system configuration asshown in FIGS. 10A and 10B and the UI unit executes the display in FIG.7, the control unit 205 controls to hatch or gray out the keys 707 and708. In other words, the control unit 205 invalidates user operations tothe keys 707 and 708.

When the printing system 1000 has the system configuration as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, as described above, the control unit 205 inhibits theprinting system 1000 from executing glue binding.

Control executed by the control unit 205 when the printing system 1000has the system configuration in FIGS. 10A and 10B corresponds to(inhibition control) in FIG. 10B.

As described above, the control unit 205 executes various controlexamples depending on the number of connected inline type sheetprocessing apparatuses in the printing system 1000. That is, the controlunit 205 executes various control examples corresponding to types ofsheet processes executable by the printing system 1000.

As is apparent from the description of FIGS. 8A to 10B and the like, thecontrol unit of the printing system 1000 causes the printing system 1000to execute various control examples corresponding to the systemconfiguration status (including the number of connected inline sheetprocessing apparatuses and their connection order) of the printingsystem 1000.

According to the embodiment, the connection order of inline sheetprocessing apparatuses and the number of connected inline sheetprocessing apparatuses in the printing system 1000 can flexibly changeto meet user needs because all user merits are considered.

The reason why each inline type sheet processing apparatus permitted tobe used in the printing system 1000 is an independent housing and isdetachable from the printing apparatus will be described.

As one reason, this mechanism considers, as a POD company to which theprinting system 1000 is delivered, a company or the like which does notrequire case binding but wants to perform large-volume stacking.

In the printing system use environment, a need to implement all the ninesheet processes by inline sheet processing apparatuses is expected. Aneed to implement only specific sheet processing by an inline sheetprocessing apparatus may also arise. The embodiment provides a mechanismcoping with various needs from respective POD companies to which theprinting system 1000 is delivered.

The reason why inline type sheet processing apparatuses permitted to beused in the printing system 1000 can be arbitrarily changed inconnection order and combined under the restrictions will be explained.This reason is also a reason for setting a delivery destination at whichthe operator can take out a printed material from each inline sheetprocessing apparatus, as shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B.

As one reason, user friendliness of the printing system 1000 improves byflexibly building the system in accordance with the use frequencies ofsheet processes requested in the printing system 1000.

For example, a POD company having the POD printing system 10000 in FIG.1 tends to receive a relatively large number of print jobs requiringcase binding for a user manual, guidebook, and the like, as print formneeds from customers. In this use environment, it is convenient to buildthe printing system 1000 not in the connection order as shown in FIGS.8A and 8B but in the connection order as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

In other words, it is more convenient to connect the glue bindingapparatus at a portion closer to the printing apparatus 100. This isbecause a shorter sheet conveyance distance in the apparatus necessaryto execute case binding for a case binding job is effective.

For example, as the sheet conveyance distance becomes longer, the timetaken to complete a printed material as the final product of the jobbecomes longer. As the sheet conveyance distance becomes longer, the jamgeneration rate in the apparatus during sheet conveyance is likely to behigher. These are reasons for the flexible connection order.

For a POD company which receives many case binding jobs as user needs,not the system configuration of FIGS. 8A and 8B but that of FIGS. 9A and9B can shorten the sheet conveyance distance necessary to create theprinted material of a case binding job, and allows the operator toquickly take out the printed material.

Assume that another POD company tends to receive many jobs requiringlarge-volume sheet stacking. For this POD company, not the systemconfiguration of FIGS. 9A and 9B but that of FIGS. 8A and 8B can shortenthe sheet conveyance distance necessary to create the printed materialof a stacker job, and allows the operator to quickly take out theprinted material.

In this fashion, the embodiment pays attention to an increase in theproductivity of jobs in the printing system 1000 with an efficient,flexible system configuration suited to the use environment. Inaddition, the embodiment can provide many mechanisms which pursuefriendliness to a user who utilizes the printing system 1000.

Concrete examples of the internal structures of various inline typesheet processing apparatuses available in the printing system 1000illustrated in FIGS. 8A to 10B will be described for each sheetprocessing apparatus.

[Internal Structure of Large-Volume Stacker]

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of thelarge-volume stacker in FIGS. 8A to 10B to be controlled by the controlunit 205 in the embodiment.

In the large-volume stacker, the sheet feeding path extending from theprinting apparatus 100 is roughly divided into three: a straight path,escape path, and stack path, as shown in FIG. 11. The large-volumestacker incorporates these three sheet feeding paths.

The straight path of the large-volume stacker in FIG. 11 and that of theglue binding apparatus in FIG. 12 function to transfer sheets receivedfrom a preceding apparatus to a succeeding apparatus, and are alsocalled through paths in inline sheet processing apparatuses in theembodiment.

The straight path in the large-volume stacker is a sheet feeding pathfor transferring, to a succeeding apparatus, sheets of a job requiringno sheet stacking by the stacking unit of the large-volume stacker. Inother words, the straight path is a unit for conveying sheets of a jobrequiring no sheet processing by the sheet processing apparatus from anupstream apparatus to a downstream apparatus.

The escape path in the large-volume stacker is used to output sheetswithout stacking them. For example, when no succeeding sheet processingapparatus is connected, a printed material is conveyed to the escapepath and taken out from the stack tray so as to quickly take out theprinted material from the stack tray for the purpose of outputconfirmation work (proof print) or the like.

The sheet feeding path in the large-volume stacker has a plurality ofsheet sensors necessary to detect the sheet conveyance status and jam.

The CPU (not shown) of the large-volume stacker notifies the controlunit 205 of sheet detection information from each sensor via a signalline (signal line shown in FIG. 2 for connecting the sheet processingapparatus 200 and control unit 205) for communicating data with thecontrol unit 205. Based on the information from the large-volumestacker, the control unit 205 grasps the sheet conveyance status and jamin the large-volume stacker. When another sheet processing apparatus iscascade-connected between the sheet processing apparatus 200, i.e.,large-volume stacker and the printing apparatus 100, the CPU of thelarge-volume stacker notifies the control unit 205 via the CPU of thecascade-connected sheet processing apparatus of sensor information ofthe large-volume stacker. As described above, the large-volume stackercomprises an arrangement unique to an inline finisher.

The stack path in the large-volume stacker is a sheet feeding path forcausing the large-volume stacker to stack sheets of a job requiringsheet stacking by the stacking unit of the stacker.

Assume that the printing system 1000 comprises the large-volume stackershown in FIGS. 8A to 10B. In this system configuration status, assumethat the control unit 205 accepts a request from a user via the UI unitby a key operation to the key 709 in the display of FIG. 7 to executesheet stacking executable by the large-volume stacker for a target job.In this case, the control unit 205 controls to convey sheets to thestack path of the large-volume stacker. The sheets conveyed to the stackpath are delivered to the stack tray.

The stack tray in FIG. 11 is a stacking unit mounted on an extensiblestay. A shock absorber or the like is attached to the joint between thestay and the stack tray. The control unit 205 controls the large-volumestacker to stack printed sheets of a target job on the stack tray. Adolly supports the extensible stay from below it. When attaching ahandle (not shown) to the dolly, the dolly can carry stacked outputs onit to another offline finisher.

When the front door of the stacker unit is kept closed, the extensiblestay moves up to a position where outputs are easily stacked. If theoperator opens the front door (or issues an opening instruction), thestack tray moves down.

Outputs can be stacked by flat stacking or shift stacking. Flat stackingmeans always stacking sheets at the same position. Shift stacking meansstacking sheets with a shift toward far and near sides every number ofcopies or jobs so as to divide outputs and easily handle them.

The large-volume stacker permitted to be used as an inline type sheetprocessing apparatus in the printing system 1000 can execute a pluralityof stacking methods when stacking sheets from the printer unit 203. Thecontrol unit 205 controls various operations for the stacker.

[Internal Structure of Glue Binding Apparatus]

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of the gluebinding apparatus in FIGS. 8A to 10B to be controlled by the controlunit 205 in the embodiment.

In the glue binding apparatus, the sheet feeding path extending from theprinting apparatus 100 is roughly divided into three: a straight path,main body path, and cover path, as shown in FIG. 12. The glue bindingapparatus incorporates these three sheet feeding paths.

The straight path (through path) in the glue binding apparatus in FIG.12 is a sheet feeding path functioning to transfer, to a succeedingapparatus, sheets of a job requiring no sheet glue binding by the gluebinding unit of the apparatus. In other words, the straight path is aunit for conveying sheets of a job requiring no sheet processing by thesheet processing apparatus from an upstream apparatus to a downstreamapparatus.

The sheet feeding path in the glue binding apparatus has a plurality ofsheet sensors necessary to detect the sheet conveyance status and jam.

The CPU (not shown) of the glue binding apparatus notifies the controlunit 205 of sheet detection information from each sensor via a signalline (signal line shown in FIG. 2 for connecting the sheet processingapparatus 200 and control unit 205) for communicating data with thecontrol unit 205. Based on the information from the glue bindingapparatus, the control unit 205 grasps the sheet conveyance status andjam in the glue binding apparatus. When another sheet processingapparatus is cascade-connected between the glue binding apparatus andthe printing apparatus 100, the CPU of the glue binding apparatusnotifies the control unit 205 via the CPU of the cascade-connected sheetprocessing apparatus of sensor information of the glue bindingapparatus. In this manner, the glue binding apparatus comprises anarrangement unique to an inline finisher.

The main body path and cover path in the glue binding apparatus in FIG.12 are sheet feeding paths for creating a case-bound printed material.

For example, according to the embodiment, the printer unit 203 printsprint data of a body by case binding printing. Printed sheets are usedas the body of an output material corresponding to a case-boundedprinted material of one bundle. In case binding, a sheet bundle of abody on which print data corresponding to the body (contents) is printedis called a “main body” in the embodiment. Processing to wrap the mainbody with one cover sheet is executed in case binding. The control unit205 executes various sheet conveyance control operations to convey acover sheet through the cover path, and convey sheets of the main bodyprinted by the printer unit 203 to the main body path.

In this configuration, assume that the control unit 205 accepts arequest from a user via the UI unit by a key operation to the key 707 inFIG. 7 to execute case binding executable by the glue binding apparatusfor a target job. In this case, the control unit 205 controls theapparatus as follows.

For example, the control unit 205 controls to sequentially stack sheetsprinted by the printer unit 203 on the stacking unit via the main bodypath in FIG. 12. After stacking, on the stack tray, sheets of all pageson which body data necessary for sheets of one bundle in a target jobare printed, the control unit 205 controls to convey a cover sheetnecessary for the job via the cover path.

Case binding has a matter associated with one feature of the embodiment.In case binding as an example of glue binding in the embodiment, thenumber of sheets processible as one sheet bundle is much larger than thenumber of sheets processible as one sheet bundle by sheet processingdifferent from glue binding. For example, case binding permitsprocessing a maximum of 200 sheets as one sheet bundle of the body. Tothe contrary, stapling or the like permits processing a maximum of 20print sheets as one sheet bundle, and saddle stitching permitsprocessing a maximum of 15 print sheets. The permissible number of printsheets to be processed as one sheet bundle is greatly different betweenglue binding and other sheet processes.

In the embodiment, the control unit 205 can control an inline type sheetprocessing apparatus to execute case binding as glue binding. Further,the embodiment can provide new finishing which is not requested in theoffice environment and is executable by an inline type sheet processingapparatus. In other words, this configuration is one mechanism assumingthe POD environment, and is associated with control to be describedlater.

Case binding can target, as a cover sheet, a pre-printed sheet whichbears cover data and is conveyed from the inserter tray of the inserterof the glue binding apparatus, as shown in FIG. 12. Case binding canalso target a sheet which bears a cover image printed by the printingapparatus 100. Either sheet is conveyed as a cover sheet to the coverpath. Conveyance of the cover sheet temporarily stops below the stacktray.

In parallel with this operation, the glue binding apparatus glues a mainbody of sheets which bear all the pages of the body and are stacked onthe stack tray. For example, the gluing unit applies a predeterminedamount of glue to the lower portion of the main body. After the gluefully spreads, the pasted portion of the main body is attached to thecenter of the cover, covered, and joined. In joining, the main body ispushed down, and the covered main body slides onto a rotating tablealong a guide. The guide moves so that the covered main body falls ontothe rotating table.

The aligning unit aligns the covered main body laid on the rotatingtable, and the cutter cuts an edge. The rotating table rotates through90°, the aligning unit aligns the main body, and the cutter cuts the topedge. The rotating table rotates through 180°, the aligning unit alignsthe main body, and the cutter cuts the tail edge.

After cutting, the aligning unit pushes the main body to an innerportion, putting the completed covered main body into a basket. Afterthe glue is satisfactorily dried in the basket, the operator can takeout the completed case-bound bundle.

The glue binding apparatus comprises a gluing unit which executes gluebinding for sheets of a target job for which the user issues a gluebinding execution request together with a printing execution request viathe UI unit.

As described above with reference to the configuration, glue bindingexecutable by an inline type sheet processing apparatus in theembodiment requires many processing steps and many preparations,compared to other types of sheet processes. In other words, theconfiguration of glue binding is different from those of sheet processessuch as stapling and saddle stitching often used in the officeenvironment. The processing time taken to complete requested sheetprocessing is likely to be longer than those of other finishingprocesses. The embodiment pays attention to even this point.

The embodiment adopts a mechanism which applies not only to the officeenvironment but also to a new printing environment such as the PODenvironment, pursues user friendliness and productivity, and aims tocommercialize a printing system and product. For example, new functionssuch as the case binding function and large-volume stacking functionwhich are not supported in the office environment are provided asconstituent features available even in the POD environment. Asillustrated in FIGS. 8A to 10B, system configurations capable ofconnecting a plurality of inline type sheet processing apparatuses arealso mechanisms for achieving this purpose.

It should be noted that the embodiment not only provides theabove-described new functions and system configurations, but also findsout and examines problems to be tackled, such as use cases and userneeds assumed in the use of the functions and configurations. Onefeature is to provide constituent features which are solutions to theproblems. According to the embodiment, when an office-equipment makerfinds and enters a new market, market demands and the like are found outand examined in advance as problems to newly equipped functions andsystem configurations, and mechanisms are employed as configurationsconsidering solutions to the problems. This is also one characteristicfeature of the embodiment. As an example of the constituent features,the control unit 205 executes various control examples in theembodiment.

[Internal Structure of Saddle Stitching Apparatus]

FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of the saddlestitching apparatus in FIGS. 8A to 10B to be controlled by the controlunit 205 in the embodiment.

The saddle stitching apparatus incorporates various units forselectively executing stapling, cutting, punching, folding, shiftdelivery, and the like for sheets from the printing apparatus 100. Asdescribed in the restrictions, the saddle stitching apparatus does nothave a through path serving as the function of conveying sheets to asucceeding apparatus.

The sheet feeding path in the saddle stitching apparatus has a pluralityof sheet sensors necessary to detect the sheet conveyance status andjam.

The CPU (not shown) of the saddle stitching apparatus notifies thecontrol unit 205 of sheet detection information from each sensor via asignal line (signal line shown in FIG. 2 for connecting the sheetprocessing apparatus 200 and control unit 205) for communicating datawith the control unit 205. Based on the information from the saddlestitching apparatus, the control unit 205 grasps the sheet conveyancestatus and jam in the saddle stitching apparatus. When another sheetprocessing apparatus is cascade-connected between the saddle stitchingapparatus and the printing apparatus 100, the CPU of the saddlestitching apparatus notifies the control unit 205 via the CPU of thecascade-connected sheet processing apparatus of sensor information ofthe saddle stitching apparatus. The saddle stitching apparatus comprisesan arrangement unique to an inline finisher.

As shown in FIG. 13, the saddle stitching apparatus comprises a sampletray, stack tray, and booklet tray. The control unit 205 controls toswitch the unit for use in accordance with the job type and the numberof discharged print sheets.

Assume that the control unit 205 accepts a request from a user via theUI unit by a key operation to the key 701 in the display of FIG. 7 toexecute stapling by the saddle stitching apparatus for a target job. Inthis case, the control unit 205 controls to convey sheets from theprinter unit 203 to the stack tray. Before discharging print sheets tothe stack tray, they are sequentially stacked for each job on theprocess tray in the saddle stitcher, and bound by a stapler on theprocess tray. Then, the print sheet bundle is discharged onto the stacktray. According to this method, the control unit 205 causes the saddlestitching apparatus to staple sheets printed by the printer unit 203.

The saddle stitching apparatus further comprises a Z-folding unit forfolding a sheet in three (Z shape), and a puncher for forming two (orthree) holes for filing. The saddle stitching apparatus executes eachprocessing in accordance with each job type.

For example, when the user makes a Z-folding setting via the operationunit as a setting associated with print sheet processing for a job to beoutput, the control unit 205 performs the following control. That is,the control unit 205 causes the Z-folding unit to fold print sheets ofthe job. Then, the control unit 205 controls to make the print sheetspass through the apparatus, and deliver them onto a discharge tray suchas the stack tray or sample tray.

For example, when the user makes a punching setting via the operationunit as a setting associated with print sheet processing for a job to beoutput, the control unit 205 performs the following control. That is,the control unit 205 causes the puncher to punch print sheets of thejob. Then, the control unit 205 controls to make the print sheets passthrough the apparatus, and deliver them onto a discharge tray such asthe stack tray or sample tray.

The saddle stitcher performs saddle stitching to bind print sheets attwo center portions, pinch the print sheets at their center by rollers,fold them in half, and create a booklet like a pamphlet.

Print sheets bound by the saddle stitcher are discharged onto thebooklet tray. Whether the saddle stitcher can execute print sheetprocessing such as bookbinding is also based on print sheet processingsettings made by the user for a job to be output, as described above.

The inserter sends print sheets set on the inserter tray to a dischargetray such as the stack tray or sample tray without supplying the printsheets to the printer. The inserter can insert a print sheet set on itbetween print sheets (sheets printed by the printer unit) supplied intothe saddle stitcher. The user sets print sheets on the inserter tray ofthe inserter while the print sheets face up. The pickup rollersequentially feeds print sheets from the top. A print sheet from theinserter is directly conveyed to the stack tray or sample tray, anddischarged while facing down. When supplying a print sheet to the saddlestitcher, the print sheet is fed to the puncher once, and then switchedback and fed to adjust the face orientation.

Whether the inserter can execute print sheet processing such as printsheet insertion is also based on print sheet processing settings made bythe user for a job to be output, as described above.

In the embodiment, the saddle stitching apparatus also incorporates,e.g., a cutter (trimmer), which will be described below.

A (saddle-stitched) booklet output from the saddle stitcher enters thetrimmer. At this time, the booklet output is fed by a predeterminedlength by the roller, and cut by a predetermined length by the cutter,aligning uneven edges between pages of the booklet. The resultantbooklet is put in a booklet holding unit. Whether the trimmer canexecute print sheet processing such as cutting is also based on printsheet processing settings made by the user for a job to be output, asdescribed above.

As described above, the saddle stitching apparatus comprises a saddlestitcher which executes saddle stitching for sheets of a target job forwhich the user issues a saddle stitching execution request together witha printing execution request via the UI unit.

For example, when the user selects saddle stitching with the key 705 inthe display of FIG. 7, the control unit 205 causes the UI unit toexecute a display in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a view for explaining an example of display control on the UIunit to be controlled in the embodiment. The control unit 205 controlsto accept detailed settings of saddle stitching from the user via thedisplay in FIG. 14. For example, the control unit 205 allows the user todetermine whether to actually saddle-stitch sheets near their centerwith staples. The control unit 205 can also accept a setting such asdivision bookbinding, change of the saddle stitching position,execution/non-execution of cutting, or change of the cutting width fromthe user.

Assume that the user sets “saddle-stitch” and “cut” via the display inFIG. 14 executed by the UI unit under the control of the control unit205. In this case, the control unit 205 controls the operation of theprinting system 1000 to process a target job into a print style as shownin FIG. 15 as a result of saddle stitching printing.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a control example when creating aprinted material by the printing system 1000 to be controlled in theembodiment.

Then, saddle stitches are put, and the edge is cut, as represented bythe result of saddle stitching printing in FIG. 15. By setting thepositions of the saddle stitches and cutting edge in advance, they canbe changed to desired positions.

When the user requests execution of case binding with the key 707 in thedisplay of FIG. 7, the control unit 205 controls the printing system1000 to process a target job into a print style as shown in FIG. 16 as aresult of case binding printing.

FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a control example when creating aprinted material by the printing system 1000 to be controlled in theembodiment.

The cutting widths of cutting edges A, B, and C of a printed material tobe case-bound can be set as shown in the example of FIG. 16.

The printing system 1000 can accept a printing execution request andsheet processing execution request for a target job even from aninformation processing apparatus serving as an example of an externalapparatus. An example when a host computer uses the printing system 1000will be described.

For example, the printing system 1000 is controlled as follows whenoperated by a host computer (e.g., the PC 103 or 104 in FIG. 1) whichdownloads program data for various processes and control examples in theembodiment from a data supply source (e.g., a WEB) or a specific storagemedium. Note that the control unit of the PC executes the main control.

Assume that an instruction to activate a printer driver for operatingthe printing apparatus 100 of the printing system 1000 is input inresponse to a mouse or keyboard operation by a user. In response to theinstruction, the CPU of the host computer displays a print setup windowshown in FIG. 17A on the display unit of the host computer.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are views showing examples of user interface windowscontrolled in the embodiment. For example, the user presses a finishingkey 1701 with the mouse on the operation window of FIG. 17A or 17B.Then, the CPU of the host computer controls the display unit to switchthe print setup window to one as shown in FIG. 17B.

The CPU of the host computer allows the user to select the type of sheetprocessing to be executed by the sheet processing apparatus 200 via thekey 1701 serving as a sheet processing setting item on the print setupwindow of FIG. 17A or 17B.

Although not shown, the external apparatus including the host computerdisplays, as windows other than those in FIGS. 17A and 17B, displayswindows for inputting instructions equivalent to those inputtable viavarious display windows described in detail in the embodiment. In otherwords, the external apparatus can execute the same processes and controlexamples as those described in the embodiment.

Assume that the user selects desired sheet processing via the key 1701,returns to the window in FIG. 17A or 17B, and presses the OK key.

In response to this, the CPU of the host computer associates, as onejob, commands representing various printing conditions set by the uservia the print setup window with a series of data to be printed by theprinter unit 203. Then, the CPU of the host computer transmits the jobassociated as one job to the printing system 1000 via the network 101.

The external I/F 202 of the printing system 1000 receives the job fromthe computer. In response to this, the control unit 205 of the printingsystem controls the printing system 1000 to process the job from thehost computer on the basis of processing requirements set by the user onthe host computer.

The above-described configuration can provide various effects describedin the embodiment even for a job from an external apparatus or the like,and can further increase the use efficiency of the printing system 1000.

The control unit of the printing system 1000 according to the embodimentexecutes various control examples to be described below on the premiseof the above-described constituent features.

The configurations described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17B correspondto constituent features common to all embodiments. For example, variouscontrol examples described in the embodiments correspond to constituentfeatures based on these configurations.

As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 17B, the printing system 1000according to the embodiment is configured to be able to create aprinting environment suitable not only for the office environment butalso for the POD environment. For example, the printing system 1000employs a mechanism capable of coping with use cases and user needswhich are assumed not in the office environment but in the PODenvironment. The printing system 1000 is configured to, e.g., allow aPOD company to receive orders of various print forms from customers inthe POD environment.

More specifically, an inline sheet processing apparatus can executefinishing (e.g., glue binding or large-volume stacking) which is notrequested as a user need in the office environment. In other words, theembodiment can deal with even user needs in consideration of the PODenvironment, in addition to needs (e.g., for stapling) in the officeenvironment. For example, the printing system 1000 can flexibly copewith the business form of a POD company which does business in the PODenvironment where the printing system 1000 is delivered.

For example, a plurality of inline sheet processing apparatuses areconnectable to the printing apparatus 100, and each inline sheetprocessing apparatus can independently operate as an independenthousing, as described above. The number of connected sheet processingapparatuses is arbitrary, and an inline sheet processing apparatus canbe flexibly added or changed in the printing system 1000.

The embodiment adopts a design which fully considers the operability ofthe user of the printing system 1000. For example, the embodiment allowsthe operator to manually register the system configuration of theprinting system 1000 in the HDD 209. This configuration will beexemplified.

Assume that a POD company wants to build the system configuration shownin FIGS. 8A and 8B for the printing system 1000. In this case, theoperator of the POD company connects three sheet processing apparatusesin FIGS. 8A and 8B purchased together with the printing apparatus 100 tothe printing apparatus in the connection order shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.Then, the operator presses the user mode key 505 of the operation unit204. In response to this key operation, the control unit 205 causes thetouch panel 401 to execute a display in FIG. 18A.

FIGS. 18A to 18D are views for explaining examples of display control onthe UI unit to be controlled in the embodiment.

The display in FIG. 18A allows the operator to manually input systemconfiguration information of the printing system 1000. The control unit205 allows the operator via displays in FIGS. 18A to 18D to determinethe types of inline type sheet processing apparatuses to be connected tothe printing apparatus 100. In addition, the control unit 205 allows theoperator via the displays in FIGS. 18A to 18D to determine theconnection order of inline type sheet processing apparatuses to beconnected to the printing apparatus 100.

If the operator presses an “advanced settings” key provided for eachsetting item in the display of FIG. 18A, the control unit 205 displays acorresponding window (not shown). This window enables specifying sheetprocessing apparatuses used in the printing system one by one. In theembodiment, since the printing system follows the restrictions, asdescribed above, the control unit 205 also notifies the operator of thisinformation as guidance information. For example, the control unit 205notifies the operator of a guidance “register the types of sheetprocessing apparatuses to be connected to the printing apparatus andtheir connection order. You can connect a maximum of five sheetprocessing apparatuses. Connect a saddle stitching apparatus last.” Inthis case, the maximum number of connected inline sheet processingapparatuses is five, but is not limited to this.

The control unit 205 controls the touch panel 401 so that the operatorcan determine sheet processing apparatuses for use one by one from thetop setting item in FIG. 18A. The control unit 205 determines that thesetting order itself from the top setting item is an actual apparatusconnection order.

In this configuration, when the printing system 1000 has the systemconfiguration shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the control unit 205 prompts theoperator to register the types of sheet processing apparatuses and theirconnection order, like the display in FIG. 18B.

More specifically, the control unit 205 prompts the operator to set“large-volume stacker

glue binding apparatus

saddle stitching apparatus” sequentially from the top setting item, likethe display in FIG. 18B. The control unit 205 determines that thissetting order is an actual connection order, as shown in FIGS. 8A and8B.

When the printing system 1000 has the system configuration shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B, the control unit 205 prompts the operator to registerthe types of sheet processing apparatuses and their connection order,like the display in FIG. 18C. More specifically, the control unit 205prompts the operator to set “glue binding apparatus

large-volume stacker

saddle stitching apparatus” sequentially from the top setting item, likethe display in FIG. 18C. The control unit 205 determines that thissetting order is an actual connection order, as shown in FIGS. 9A and9B.

When the printing system 1000 has the system configuration shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, the control unit 205 prompts the operator to registerthe types of sheet processing apparatuses and their connection order,like the display in FIG. 18D. More specifically, the control unit 205prompts the operator to set “large-volume stacker

saddle stitching apparatus” sequentially from the top setting item, likethe display in FIG. 18D. The control unit 205 determines that thissetting order is an actual connection order, as shown in FIGS. 10A and10B.

FIG. 19 is a view showing another system configuration of the printingsystem 1000 to be controlled in the embodiment. In the configuration ofthe printing system 1000 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, atotal of three inline finishers, i.e., two large-volume stackers and onesaddle stitching apparatus illustrated in FIG. 13 are connected. In thissystem configuration, two large-volume stackers are connected as inlinefinishers of the same type. In this way, the printing system of theembodiment is configured to be able to connect inline finishers of thesame type.

A configuration in which inline finishers of the same type arecascade-connected as illustrated in FIG. 19 will be called tandemconnection. The system configuration illustrated in FIG. 19 assumes asituation in which a printing company, to which the printing system isdelivered, frequently executes large-volume stacking. In the embodiment,a plurality of large-volume stackers can be tandem-connected.

The UI control to improve user friendliness assuming use cases on siteis also one feature of the embodiment. As described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 19, the printing system 1000 comprises various mechanismstoward commercialization of a product capable of flexibly coping withvarious use cases and user needs in the POD environment and the likethat are different from use cases and user needs in the officeenvironment.

In addition to providing new functions and new configurations asdescribed above, the printing system 1000 can execute various controlexamples as follows in order to maximize the effects of the printingsystem 1000.

For example, the control unit of the printing system causes the printingsystem 1000 to execute the following control.

Before a description of concrete control, the configuration of theprinting system 1000 will be complemented. A variety of inline finisherssuch as the large-volume stacker in the embodiment each have anopenable/closable door (front door) on the front surface of the housing.The front door allows an operator to remove a jammed sheet from eachfinisher or take out the printed materials (also called print media) ofa job printed by the printer unit 203.

For example, as illustrated in the internal structure of FIG. 11, thelarge-volume stacker in the embodiment comprises a stack tray arrangedinside the stacker that can stack many printed materials, and a sampletray arranged outside the stacker (at the top of the stacker). Thecontrol unit 205 controls to selectively supply the printed materials ofa target job to the stack tray inside the large-volume stacker and thesample tray outside it on the basis of various criteria in theembodiment.

Each inline finisher such as the large-volume stacker except for thesaddle stitching apparatus also has a function of conveying a printedmaterial received from a preceding apparatus into a succeeding inlinefinisher via the internal through path of the inline finisher.

The large-volume stacker in the embodiment is configured such that thetray can automatically move down in accordance with the sheet stackingamount of printed materials on the internal stack tray. The large-volumestacker is also configured to be able to align printed materials.

This structure is as described with reference to FIG. 11. Thelarge-volume stacker has, on its front surface, a front door 2002 whichcan be opened and closed by an operator, as shown in FIG. 20. Thelarge-volume stacker also has, at the top of the housing, a switch 2001for allowing an operator to input an instruction to open the front door2002. The control unit (not shown) of the large-volume stacker mainlycontrols various operations in the large-volume stacker.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view for explaining control associated with alarge-volume stacker in the embodiment. The control unit opens the frontdoor 2002 in accordance with an instruction manually input by theoperator via the switch 2001. More specifically, the front door 2002 islocked with a key (not shown) when closed. The operator unlocks the keyto open the front door 2002.

Then, the operator can take out printed materials stacked on the stacktray of the large-volume stacker. It is also controlled to automaticallyopen the front door 2002 in accordance with not only an operation viathe switch 2001 but also an instruction from the control unit 205 of theprinting apparatus 100.

At this time, the control unit 205 transmits a door open signal to thecontrol unit of the large-volume stacker via a signal line inside theprinting apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 2. The operator opens the frontdoor 2002 to take out printed materials stacked on the stack tray of thelarge-volume stacker. The control unit 205 of the printing apparatus 100may also execute these control operations.

In the embodiment, when the operator is to take out printed materialsfrom the large-volume stacker, the control unit 205 mainly controls theprinting system 1000 not to deliver, to the stack tray of thelarge-volume stacker, the sheets of a subsequent job.

In other words, the printing system 1000 in the embodiment controls thesheet processor in the sheet processing apparatus not to deliver thesheets of a subsequent job while the operator takes out the printedmaterials of a printed job from the sheet processing apparatus.

However, the control unit 205 controls to execute, e.g., the followingexemplary operations even while the operator takes out printed materialsfrom the stack tray of the large-volume stacker.

For example, the control unit 205 controls the printing system 1000 todeliver the printed materials of a subsequent job to the sample tray ofthe large-volume stacker while, for example, the operator takes outprinted materials stacked on the stacker tray and the front door 2002 ofthe large-volume stacker is open.

The control unit 205 controls the printing system 1000 to be able toconvey the printed materials of a subsequent job via the through path inthe large-volume stacker while the front door 2002 of the large-volumestacker is open. This control is done particularly when a subsequent jobdoes not require stacking by the large-volume stacker and requiresfinishing by an inline finisher connected to the output side of thelarge-volume stacker.

In this way, the control unit 205 permits execution of these exemplaryoperations in the printing system 1000 even while the front door 2002 iskept open.

To execute these operations, the control unit 205 inhibits or permitsthe start of the printing operation of a subsequent job whose printingexecution request is issued after a job whose sheets are taken out bythe operator from the sheet processing apparatus. In other words, thecontrol unit 205 controls whether to permit/inhibit execution of theprinting operation of a subsequent job, and the printing timing of thejob.

This configuration is also unique to an inline finisher physically andelectrically connected to the printing apparatus.

All, at least one, or some of feeding stages (e.g., the paper cassettes317 and 318 and paper deck 319) of the printing apparatus 100 areequipped with keys. The feeding stage may have a physical key orso-called electronic lock function. The shape and function of the keyare arbitrary as long as at least the following configuration can beimplemented. In the embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 comprises aplurality of electronic lock type feeding stages. The control unit 205of the printing apparatus 100 can control locking/unlocking of theelectronic lock type feeding stages.

On the premise of this configuration, the control unit 205 serving as anexample of the control unit of the printing system 1000 executes thefollowing exemplary control.

Prerequisite constituent features will be complemented before adescription of the following exemplary control. As a premise, theprinting system 1000 comprises the printing apparatus 100 having theprinter unit 203 capable of printing data in the HDD 209 capable ofstoring data of jobs. The printing system 1000 comprises a plurality ofsheet processing apparatuses 200 a to 200 n connectable to the printingapparatus 100. These sheet processing apparatuses 200 a to 200 n canexecute sheet processing (also called finishing or post-processing) forsheets (also called printed materials or print media) of a job printedby the printer unit 203. Each sheet processing apparatus allows anoperator to take out a printed material having undergone sheetprocessing by it. The printing system 1000 can selectively supply sheetsof a job printed by the printer unit 203 from the printer unit 203 ofthe printing apparatus 100 to these sheet processing apparatuses.

The control unit 205 serving as an example of the control unit of theembodiment executes the following exemplary control in the printingsystem 1000 having the system configuration which aims at the PODmarket.

As a premise, the printing system allows the printing apparatus 100 toselectively use print media in a plurality of feeding units. The controlunit 205 controls the printing system 1000 to execute the firstoperation of completing a printing operation necessary for one targetjob. More specifically, the control unit 205 causes the printingapparatus 100 to use all print media in one feeding unit, and thencauses it to use print media in another feeding unit.

The control unit 205 controls the UI unit to be able to accept aninstruction to inhibit the printing system 1000 from executing the firstoperation. In the embodiment, when the operator presses a “productivityimportance” key in a UI window (to be described later), the control unit205 determines that he has input an instruction to inhibit execution ofthe first operation.

On the premise of this configuration, when the operator has not pressedthe “productivity importance” key corresponding to the “instruction toinhibit execution of the first operation” (he has not input thisinstruction), the control unit 205 causes the printing system 1000 toexecute the first operation.

When the operator presses the “productivity importance” keycorresponding to the “instruction to inhibit execution of the firstoperation” (he inputs this instruction), the control unit 205 inhibitsthe printing system 1000 from executing the first operation. In thiscase, the control unit 205 controls the printing system 1000 to executethe following second operation instead of executing the first operation.

As the second operation, the control unit 205 causes the printingapparatus 100 to use some of print media in one feeding unit. Whileprint media still remain in this feeding unit, the control unit 205causes the printing apparatus 100 to use print media in another feedingunit, completing a printing operation necessary for one target job. Whenthe operator presses the “productivity importance” key corresponding tothe “instruction to inhibit execution of the first operation”, thecontrol unit 205 controls the printing system 1000 to execute the seriesof operations as the second operation.

The following first effect can be obtained by enabling the printingsystem 1000 to execute the first operation. For example, the utilizationrate of print media in one of feeding units of the printing system 1000can be increased. Even if the printing system 1000 simultaneouslyintensively accepts requests to print various types of print jobsrequiring various types of print media, it can process as many printjobs as possible.

The following second effect can also be obtained by enabling theprinting system 1000 to execute the second operation. For example, theproductivity of one job can be increased by using a plurality of feedingunits to shorten the time taken to end printing one print job after thestart of printing.

The printing system 1000 selects the first or second operation to, forexample, inhibit execution of the first operation and execute the secondoperation without any explicit instruction from the operator.Accordingly, the printing system 1000 can achieve both the first andsecond effects. The printing system 1000 can establish a convenient,flexible printing environment capable of coping with use cases and needsassumable in the printing environment such as the POD environment inDescription of the Related Art.

The printing system 1000 can provide various mechanisms towardcommercialization of a product suitable not only for the officeenvironment but also for the printing environment such as the PODenvironment where use cases and user needs different from those in theoffice environment are assumed.

In the above-described configuration, when print media remain in allavailable feeding means upon performing the second operation to causethe printing apparatus to, while print media still remain in a feedingmeans, use print media in another feeding means, the feeding operationstops, and the operator is requested to feed sheets. However, theproductivity may be decreased by stopping the feeding operation whileprint media remain in all feeding means. Even if no productivitydecreases, it is difficult to solve possible problems assumed inDescription of the Related Art in this specification. In the embodiment,the printing system 1000 disclosed in the embodiment comprises theabove-described configuration as an example of important configurations.However, the printing system 1000 need not always comprise allconstituent features described above. A configuration disclosed below isa particularly important configuration of the printing system 1000, andis also a typical example of the particularly important configuration asa constituent feature for solving the above-mentioned problems.

The printer unit 203 notifies the control unit 205 that the papercassette 317 is running short of sheets. The printer unit 203 detectsthe remaining number of sheets in the paper cassette 317 as follows.

When the user opens the paper cassette 317 in the printer unit 203 inorder to refill the paper cassette 317 with sheets, a lifter moves tothe bottom of the paper cassette 317. In this state, the user refillsthe paper cassette 317 with sheets, and the sheets are stacked on thelifter. After refilling the paper cassette 317 with sheets, the usercloses it. Then, while supporting the refilled sheets, the lifter movesso that the stacked sheets contact the pickup roller 321. At this time,a sensor attached to the paper cassette 317 detects the movement of thelifter. By performing the series of operations, the printer unit 203measures the time until the sensor detects the lifter after the lifterstarts moving. As a result, the printer unit 203 can detect the heightof sheets on the lifter.

The printer unit 203 estimates the number of stacked sheets from theheight of sheets and sheet information (e.g., sheet type, grammage,surface property, and shape) sent from the control unit 205.

Upon receiving a printing instruction from the control unit 205 afterestimating the number of sheets, the printer unit 203 decrements thenumber of sheets every time a sheet is printed. The printer unit 203detects that the remaining number of sheets in the paper cassette 317has reached a preset value (lower limit value). The printer unit 203 cannotify the control unit 205 of this.

By the same processing, the printer unit 203 can also detect that theremaining numbers of sheets in the paper cassette 318 and paper deck 319in the printer unit 203 have reached a preset value. The printer unit203 can notify the control unit 205 of this.

While operating the lifter, the printer unit 203 operates the pickuproller 321 to convey sheets stacked in the paper cassette 317. When theprinter unit 203 detects that the lifter has moved to a predeterminedheight and that the pickup roller 321 cannot convey any sheet from thepaper cassette 317, it detects that the paper cassette 317 runs out ofsheets. At this time, the following methods are applicable to detectthat the lifter has moved to the end: a detection method using thesensor of the paper cassette 317, a method of calculating the movingdistance of the lifter, and a detection method using a sensor (notshown) mounted at the same level as the pickup roller 321.

By the same processing, the printer unit 203 can also detect that thepaper cassette 318 and paper deck 319 in the printer unit 203 run out ofsheets. The printer unit 203 can notify the control unit 205 of this.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of control processingprocedures in the embodiment. The control unit 205 performs thisprocessing by reading out and executing a program which is stored as acomputer-readable computer program in a memory (storage medium such asthe HDD 209) in order to execute the control sequence in FIG. 21.

The controller (control unit) 205 sets the second operation for all thepaper cassettes 317 and 318 and paper deck 319 (S2101).

After the user makes various settings in the window of FIG. 6 displayedon the touch panel 401 of the operation unit 204, he presses the startkey 503 of the key input section 402. In response to this, the controlunit 205 performs a copying operation to read an original document seton the scanner unit 201, accumulate the image data in the HDD 209 viathe compression/decompression unit 210, and output the image data by theprinter unit 203 (S2102).

During this operation, the control unit 205 determines whether theprinter unit 203 has notified the control unit 205 that the remainingnumber of sheets has reached a lower limit value (the remaining numberof sheets is small) (sheet leaving warning line in FIG. 24) (S2103). Ifthe control unit 205 determines that the printer unit 203 has notifiedthe control unit 205 of this, it advances the process to step S2105.That is, without stopping print processing, the control unit 205searches the RAM 208 for the sizes and types of sheets stored in thefeeding stages of the printer unit 203 (S2105). The feeding stages aresearched sequentially from one having the shortest feeding path, i.e.,in the order of the paper cassettes 317 and 318 and paper deck 319. Thecontrol unit 205 searches for a paper cassette or paper deck capable ofcontinuing the printing operation (S2106, S2107, and S2108).

More specifically, the control unit 205 searches for the size and typeof sheets stored in a given feeding stage (paper cassette or paper deck)and S2108), and determines whether to end the search (S2106).

If the control unit 205 determines not to end the search (a feedingstage to be searched still remains), it compares the detected sheet sizewith the size of sheets, the remaining number of which is notified instep S2103 to have reached the lower limit value (S2107). If the controlunit 205 determines that these two sheet sizes are different from eachother, it returns the process to step S2105 for the next feeding stage.

If the control unit 205 determines in step S2107 that these two sheetsizes are equal to each other, it compares the sheet type detected instep S2108 with the type of sheets, the remaining number of which isnotified in step S2103 to have reached the lower limit value (S2108). Ifthe control unit 205 determines that these two sheet types are differentfrom each other, it returns the process to step S2105 for the nextfeeding stage.

If the control unit 205 determines that these two sheet types are thesame, it executes feeding stage switching request processing (S2109).That is, if the control unit 205 has detected a paper cassette or paperdeck capable of continuing the printing operation, it advances theprocess to step S2109. The control unit 205 issues a feeding stageswitching request to the printer unit 203 in order to perform printprocessing by switching the feeding source to the detected feeding stagestoring sheets capable of continuing the printing operation (S2109).

The control unit 205 returns the process to step S2102 to continue printprocessing (copying operation). If the control unit 205 determines instep S2106 to end the search (a feeding stage to be searched does notremain), it advances the process to step S2110. That is, the controlunit 205 cannot detect, from the RAM 208, a paper cassette storingsheets suitable for continuing print processing among the feeding stagesof the printer unit 203.

The control unit 205 continues the copying operation by inhibiting thesetting of the second operation and executing the first operation forthe paper cassette in use (S2111).

If the printer unit 203 notifies the control unit 205 of the remainingnumber of sheets (absence of sheets) (S2112), the control unit 205controls the operation unit 204 to display a feeding request message onthe touch panel 401 (S2113).

If the control unit 205 determines that the printer unit 203 has notnotified the control unit 205 during the copying operation in step S2102that the remaining number of sheets has reached the lower limit value,it determines whether the printer unit 203 has notified the control unit205 that sheets run out (S2104). If the control unit 205 determines thatthe printer unit 203 has not notified the control unit 205 of this(sheets exist), it continues the copying operation.

If the control unit 205 detects that the printer unit 203 has stopped,it advances the process to step S2105 to search the RAM 208 for thesizes and types of sheets stored in the feeding cassettes of the printerunit 203.

The actual operation of the paper cassettes 317 and 318 and paper deck319 in this sequence will be explained with reference to FIG. 25.

For example, the user selects the paper cassette 317 and startsprinting. First, sheets are fed from the paper cassette 317 by thenumbers of sheets represented by (1) and (2). When the remaining numberof sheets reaches the sheet leaving line, the paper cassette 317switches to the paper cassette 318. Then, sheets are fed from the papercassette 318 by the numbers of sheets represented by (4) and (5). Whenthe remaining number of sheets reaches the sheet leaving line, the papercassette 318 switches to the paper deck 319. Sheets are fed from thepaper deck 319 by the numbers of sheets represented by (7) and (8). Whenthe remaining number of sheets reaches the sheet leaving line, the paperdeck 319 should normally switch to the paper cassette 317 (close to thefeeding path) in accordance with ACC. However, since no paper cassetteis available, the paper deck 319 switches to the first operation andkeeps feeding sheets.

If the remaining number of sheets reaches sheet leaving line (9), thepaper deck 319 switches to the paper cassette 317 close to the feedingpath to continue printing ((3)). If the remaining number of sheets inthe paper cassette 317 reaches the sheet leaving line, the papercassette 317 switches to the paper cassette 318 ((6)).

[Description of Another Control Example of Printing System 1000]

In the above-described control example, if the control unit 205determines in S2106 to end the search (a feeding stage to be searcheddoes not remain), it inhibits the setting of the second operation andexecutes the first operation for the paper cassette in use.

When an available paper cassette and paper deck are refilled with sheetsuntil the paper cassette in use runs out of sheets, the copyingoperation may shift to the paper cassette and paper deck.

This configuration example will be explained. Control processes in S2201to S2210 are the same as those in S2101 to S2110. If the control unit205 determines in step S2206 to end the search (a feeding stage to besearched does not remain), it inhibits the setting of the secondoperation and executes the first operation for the paper cassette in use(S2210). At this time, the control unit 205 controls the operation unit204 to display a window (FIG. 26) on the touch panel 401 for requestingthe user to refill the paper cassette with sheets (S2211). Morespecifically, the touch panel 401 displays the name of a paper cassetteor paper deck to be refilled with sheets, and the approximate time untilthe paper cassette or paper deck used for the copying operation runs outof sheets.

If the user refills the target paper cassette or paper deck in use withsheets until the paper cassette or paper deck used for the copyingoperation runs out of sheets, the printer unit notifies the controllerthat the target paper cassette or paper deck has been refilled withsheets.

The control unit 205 advances the process to step S2205. That is,without stopping print processing, the control unit 205 searches the RAM208 for the sizes and types of sheets stored in the feeding stages ofthe printer unit 203 (S2205). The feeding stages are searchedsequentially from one close to the feeding path, i.e., in the order ofthe paper cassettes 317 and 318 and paper deck 319. The control unit 205searches for a paper cassette or paper deck capable of continuing theprinting operation (S2206, S2207, and S2208).

At this time, the control unit 205 searches for the paper cassetterefilled with sheets. The control unit 205 issues a feeding stageswitching request to the printer unit 203 in order to perform printprocessing by switching the feeding source to the detected feeding stagestoring sheets capable of continuing the printing operation (S2209). Thecontrol unit 205 returns the process to step S2202 to continue printprocessing (copying operation).

If the user has not refilled the target paper cassette or paper deck inuse with sheets, the control unit 205 continues the copying operationuntil the paper cassette or paper deck during feeding runs out ofsheets. If the printer unit notifies the control unit 205 of theremaining number of sheets (absence of sheets), the control unit 205advances the process to step S2215. The control unit 205 displays, onthe touch panel 401 of the operation unit 204, a message that there isno sheet optimum for continuing the processing (S2215).

The actual operation of the paper cassettes 317 and 318 and paper deck319 in this sequence will be explained with reference to FIG. 25. Forexample, the user selects the paper cassette 317 and starts printing.

First, sheets are fed from the paper cassette 317 by the numbers ofsheets represented by (1) and (2). When the remaining number of sheetsreaches the sheet leaving line, the paper cassette 317 switches to thepaper cassette 318 (close to the feeding path) in accordance with ACC.At this time, the paper cassette 317 is unlocked. Then, sheets are fedfrom the paper cassette 318 by the numbers of sheets represented by (4)and (5). When the remaining number of sheets reaches the sheet leavingline, the paper cassette 318 switches to the paper deck 319 (close tothe feeding path) in accordance with ACC. At this time, the papercassette 318 is unlocked. Sheets are fed from the paper deck 319 by thenumbers of sheets represented by (7) and (8). When the remaining numberof sheets reaches the sheet leaving line, the paper deck 319 switches tothe first operation and keeps feeding sheets till (9) because no papercassette is available.

If the user refills the paper cassette 317 with sheets, the papercassette 317 is locked. The paper cassette switches from the paper deck319 (or paper cassette 318) to the sheet-refilled paper cassette 317 tofeed sheets by the numbers of sheets represented by (1) and (2). Whenthe remaining number of sheets reaches the sheet leaving line, anavailable paper cassette is searched for. If no available paper cassetteis detected, the paper cassette switches to the first operation andkeeps feeding sheets till (3). If the user refills another availablepaper cassette with sheets while sheets are fed till (3), the papercassette 317 switches to the sheet-refilled paper cassette.

If the user has not refilled another available paper cassette withsheets, the paper cassette 317 switches to the paper cassette 318 (closeto the feeding path) in accordance with ACC. Sheets are fed from thepaper cassette 318 till (6). Similarly in this case, if the user refillsanother available paper cassette with sheets, the paper cassette 318switches to the sheet-refilled paper cassette. If the user has notrefilled another available paper cassette with sheets, the papercassette 318 switches to the paper deck 319 at the sheet absence line.The paper deck 319 keeps feeding sheets till (9).

[Description of Still Another Control Example of Printing System 1000]

In the above-described control example, if the control unit 205determines in S2206 to end the search (a feeding stage to be searcheddoes not remain), it inhibits the setting of the second operation andexecutes the first operation for the paper cassette in use.

However, even if a feeding stage to be searched remains, the controlunit 205 may inhibit the setting of the second operation and execute thefirst operation for the cassette in use when, for example, the remainingnumbers of sheets in the number of paper cassettes and paper decks thatis set by the user have reached a lower limit value (the remainingnumbers of sheets are small).

For example, when the user presses the user mode key 505 in the keyinput section 402 of the operation unit 204 and presses a “commonsettings” button displayed in the initial settings/registration windowof FIG. 27, the control unit 205 causes the touch panel 401 of theoperation unit 204 to display a window in FIG. 28.

In an auto cassette change ON/OFF setup window (FIG. 28), the userinputs the number of cassettes attaching importance to productivity.

In feeding stage information search in S2205 of FIG. 22, if the numberof cassettes in each of which the remaining number of sheets has reacheda lower limit value coincides with the number of cassettes set by theuser, the control unit 205 inhibits the setting of the second operationand executes the first operation for the cassette in use.

[Description of Still Another Control Example of Printing System 1000]

The printing system may also execute the first or second operation byprompting the operator to set the first or second operation via the userinterface means depending on the type of target job.

This configuration example will be explained with reference to theflowchart of FIG. 23. For example, when the user presses the user modekey 505 in the key input section 402 of the operation unit 204 andpresses the “common settings” button displayed in the initialsettings/registration window of FIG. 27, the control unit 205 causes thetouch panel 401 of the operation unit 204 to display the window in FIG.28.

The user presses an advanced setting button for attaching importance toproductivity. In the advanced setting window (FIG. 30), the user sets,for each job type, whether to attach importance to productivity (S2301).

After making various settings in the window of FIG. 6 displayed on thetouch panel 401 of the operation unit 204, the user presses the startkey 503 of the key input section 402. In response to this, the controlunit 205 performs a copying operation to read an original document seton the scanner unit 201, accumulate the image data in the HDD 209 viathe compression/decompression unit 210, and output the image data by theprinter unit 203 (S2302).

During this operation, the printer unit 203 notifies the control unit205 that the remaining number of sheets has reached a lower limit value(the remaining number of sheets is small) (sheet leaving warning line inFIG. 24) (S2303). At this time, if the job is of a job type set inS2301, the process proceeds to S2306 to end the search in S2307(equivalent to S2106). If there is no paper cassette to be switched, theprocess proceeds to S2311.

If the job is of a job type set to the second operation, the secondoperation switches to the first operation, and the process proceeds tosteps S2312 to S2315 (equivalent to S2110 to S2113). If the job is notof a job type set to the second operation, the control unit 205 displaysa feeding request message and requests the user to feed sheets.

The printing system 1000 according to the above-described embodiment canobtain the following effects.

For example, the printing system 1000 can solve problems assumed inDescription of the Related Art. The printing system 1000 can also builda user-friendly, convenient printing environment suited not only to theoffice environment but also to the POD environment. The printing system1000 can meet needs on site in the printing environment such as the PODenvironment, including a need to operate the system at productivity ashigh as possible, and a need to reduce the work load on an operator asmuch as possible. Especially, the printing system 1000 can achieve thefollowing effect.

That is, the printing system 1000 can use all various types of sheets inthe POD environment while increasing the productivity per unit time orthe total productivity of jobs.

As described above, the printing system 1000 can establish a convenient,flexible printing environment capable of coping with use cases and needsassumable in the POD environment in Description of the Related Art.Various mechanisms toward commercialization of a product can beprovided.

Various data described above are not limited to structures and contentsdescribed above, and can be formed from various structures and contentsin accordance with the application purpose.

Although one embodiment has been described, the present invention cantake embodiments of a system, apparatus, method, program, storagemedium, and the like. More specifically, the present invention may alsobe applied to a system including a plurality of devices, or an apparatusformed by a single device.

[Other Mechanisms]

The memory map configuration of a storage medium which stores variousdata processing programs readable by an information processing apparatus(e.g., the control unit 205 of the printing apparatus 100) according tothe present invention will be described with reference to a memory mapshown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 31 is a view for explaining the memory map of a storage medium(recording medium) which stores various data processing programsreadable by an information processing apparatus (e.g., the control unit205 of the printing apparatus 100).

Although not shown, the storage medium (recording medium) may also storeinformation (e.g., version information and creator information) formanaging programs stored in the storage medium, and information (e.g.,an icon distinctively representing a program) depending on the OS of aprogram reading device or the like.

Data belonging to various programs are also managed in this directory. Aprogram for installing various programs in a computer, and a program fordecompressing a compressed program to be installed may also be stored inthis directory.

A host computer (e.g., the PC 103 or 104) may use an externallyinstalled program to achieve the functions described in the embodiment.

In this case, data for displaying the same operation windows as thosedescribed in the embodiment including operation windows are externallyinstalled to provide various user interface windows on the display unitof the host computer. This process is described with reference to theconfiguration based on the UI windows of FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 27 in theembodiment.

In this configuration, the present invention is also applicable to acase where an output apparatus receives a set of information including aprogram from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, flash memory, or FD, orfrom an external storage medium via a network.

The object of the present invention is also achieved by supplying astorage medium which stores software program codes for implementing thefunctions of the embodiment to a system or apparatus, and reading outand executing the program codes stored in the storage medium by thecomputer (CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.

In this case, the program codes read out from the storage mediumimplement new functions of the present invention, and the storage mediumwhich stores the program codes constitutes the present invention.

The program form is arbitrary such as an object code, a program executedby an interpreter, or script data supplied to an OS as long as a programfunction is attained.

The storage medium for supplying the program includes a flexible disk,hard disk, optical disk, magnetooptical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW,magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, and DVD.

In this case, the program codes read out from the storage mediumimplement the functions of the above-described embodiment, and thestorage medium which stores the program codes constitutes the presentinvention.

As another program supply method, the program can also be supplied byconnecting a client computer to an Internet homepage via the browser ofthe client computer, and downloading the program of the presentinvention from the homepage to a storage medium such as a hard disk.Alternatively, the program can also be supplied by downloading acompressed file including an automatic installing function from thehomepage to a storage medium such as a hard disk. The program can alsobe implemented by grouping program codes which form the program of thepresent invention into a plurality of files, and downloading the filesfrom different homepages. That is, claims of the present invention alsoincorporate a WWW server, FTP server, and the like which prompt aplurality of users to download the program files for implementingfunctional processes of the present invention by a computer.

The program of the present invention can be encrypted, stored in astorage medium such as a CD-ROM, and distributed to a user. A user whosatisfies predetermined conditions is prompted to download decryptionkey information from a homepage via the Internet. The user executes theencrypted program using the key information, and installs the program inthe computer.

The functions of the above-described embodiment are implemented when thecomputer executes the readout program codes. Also, the present inventionincludes a case where an OS (Operating System) or the like running onthe computer performs some or all of actual processes on the basis ofthe instructions of the program codes, thereby implementing thefunctions of the above-described embodiment.

Further, the present invention includes a case where the program codesread out from the storage medium are written in the memory of a functionexpansion board inserted into the computer or the memory of a functionexpansion unit connected to the computer, and the CPU of the functionexpansion board or function expansion unit performs some or all ofactual processes, thereby implementing the functions of theabove-described embodiment.

The present invention may also be applied to a system including aplurality of devices or an apparatus formed by a single device. Thepresent invention can also be achieved by supplying a program to thesystem or apparatus. In this case, the system or apparatus can obtainthe effects of the present invention by providing, to the system orapparatus, a storage medium which stores a program represented bysoftware for achieving the present invention.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment,and various modifications (including organic combinations ofembodiments) can be made without departing from the scope of theinvention, and are not excluded from the scope of the invention.

Various examples and embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the spiritand scope of the invention are not limited to a specific description inthe specification.

For example, in the embodiment, the control unit 205 in the printingapparatus 100 mainly performs various control examples. For example, anexternal controller of a housing different from the printing apparatus100 may also execute some or all of these control examples.

All the above-described embodiment and combinations of its modificationsfall within the scope of the present invention.

Various examples and embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the spiritand scope of the invention are not limited to a specific description inthe specification.

The present invention can build a user-friendly, convenient printingenvironment applicable not only to the office environment but also tothe POD environment. The present invention can also meet needs on sitein the printing environment such as the POD environment, including aneed to operate the system at productivity as high as possible, and aneed to reduce the work load on an operator as much as possible.Especially, the present invention obtains the following effects.

For example, the present invention can achieve the following firsteffect by increasing the utilization rate of print media in one offeeding units. That is, even if the printing system simultaneouslyintensively accepts requests to print various types of print jobsrequiring various types of print media, it can process as many printjobs as possible.

Also, by efficiently using a plurality of feeding units, the presentinvention can achieve the second effect capable of shortening the timetaken to end printing one print job after the start of printing, andincreasing the productivity of one job.

According to the present invention, the printing system can achieve boththe first and second effects. The present invention can establish aconvenient, flexible printing environment capable of coping with usecases and needs assumable in the printing environment such as the PODenvironment in Description of the Related Art.

The present invention can provide various mechanisms towardcommercialization of a product suited not only to the office environmentbut also to the printing environment such as the POD environment whereuse cases and user needs different from those in the office environmentare assumed.

That is, even if requests to print various types of print jobs requiringvarious types of print media are simultaneously intensively accepted,they can be processed as many as possible. In addition, the presentinvention can build a convenient, flexible printing environment wherethe productivity of one job is increased by shortening the time taken toend printing one print job after the start of printing.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2007-019885 filed on Jan. 30, 2007, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

1. A printing system which enables a printing apparatus to use print media in a plurality of feeding units, the system selectively switching and executing, based on a condition without an explicit instruction from an operator, a first operation of completing a printing operation necessary for one job to be processed by causing the printing apparatus to use all print media in one feeding unit and then causing the printing apparatus to use print media in another feeding unit, and a second operation of completing a printing operation necessary for one job to be processed by causing the printing apparatus to use some of print media in one feeding unit and while print media remain in the feeding unit, causing the printing apparatus to use print media in another feeding unit.
 2. The system according to claim 1, comprising a control unit configured to select one of the first operation and the second operation on the basis of status information of the printing system.
 3. The system according to claim 1, comprising a control unit configured to select one of the first operation and the second operation on the basis of information on the feeding unit.
 4. The system according to claim 1, comprising a control unit configured to when the remaining number of print media in the feeding unit in use for the second operation has reached a lower limit value, allow continuing the printing operation necessary for one job to be processed by using print media in another feeding unit, and when the remaining numbers of print media in all feeding units available for the second operation have reached the lower limit value, switch the second operation to the first operation.
 5. The system according to claim 1, comprising a control unit configured to, when the feeding unit is refilled with print media during execution of the first operation and the remaining number of print media exceeds a lower limit value, switch the first operation to the second operation.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the feeding unit can be locked, the feeding unit in use is controlled to be locked, and the feeding unit not in use is controlled to be unlocked.
 7. The system according to claim 4, wherein said control unit unlocks all feeding units in which the remaining numbers of print media have reached the lower limit value, except the feeding unit in use during the second operation, and allows refilling, with print media, all the feeding units in which the remaining numbers of print media have reached the lower limit value.
 8. The system according to claim 4, wherein said control unit unlocks all feeding units in which the remaining numbers of print media have reached the lower limit value, except the feeding unit in use during the second operation, and displays a request via a user interface unit to refill, with print media, all the feeding units in which the remaining numbers of print media have reached the lower limit value.
 9. The system according to claim 4, wherein said control unit keeps unlocking all feeding units in which the remaining numbers of print media have reached the lower limit value, except the feeding unit in use during the second operation, and causes the printing apparatus to use print media in a feeding unit refilled with print media.
 10. The system according to claim 4, wherein when the remaining numbers of print media in a designated number of feeding units out of feeding units available for the second operation have reached the lower limit value, said control unit inhibits execution of the second operation, and executes the first operation.
 11. The system according to claim 4, wherein a control unit causes the printing system to execute the first operation or the second operation by prompting the operator via a user interface unit to set the first operation or the second operation depending on a type of job to be processed.
 12. A method for controlling a printing system which enables a printing apparatus to use print media in a plurality of feeding units, comprising selectively switching and executing, based on a condition without an explicit instruction from an operator, a first operation of completing a printing operation necessary for one job to be processed by causing the printing apparatus to use all print media in one feeding unit and then causing the printing apparatus to use print media in another feeding unit, and a second operation of completing a printing operation necessary for one job to be processed by causing the printing apparatus to use some of print media in one feeding unit and while print media remain in the feeding unit, causing the printing apparatus to use print media in another feeding unit.
 13. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program which causes a computer to execute a control method defined in claim
 12. 